Wesleyan Philosophical Society


The Wesleyan Philosophical Society is an academic society largely represented by academic institutions affiliated with Christian denominations in the Wesleyan tradition. Despite its primarily Wesleyan orientation, there has been increasing participation from scholars in Catholic, Orthodox, and other Protestant traditions. Likewise, there are no formal doctrinal or affiliational requirements for membership in the society or participation at its conferences. Anyone with an interest in philosophical subjects pertaining to conference themes is welcome to attend, regardless of his or her personal theological orientation or affiliation.

History

The society was conceived during a 2001 meeting of the Wesleyan Theological Society meeting at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Brint Montgomery, Thomas Jay Oord, and Robert Thompson served as the early organizing forces. The society first met in Hobe Sound, Florida in March 2002. The society has grown steadily since then, featuring up to approximately 30 papers per conference in recent years.

Publications

The WPS gives notice of its recent publications on its official website. Typically, books result from the peer-reviewed process and presentation of annual papers at the conference. The WPS website is maintained by Brint Montgomery, professor of Philosophy at Southern Nazarene University.
The society's published books:
WPS meets each year at various sites around the United States. While independent, the WPS has also maintains a relationship with the older Wesleyan Theological Society, meeting each year a day prior to the WTS at the same location.
WPS leadership is elected from members of the society at its annual business meeting during its conference. Its executive leadership consists of a President, 1st Vice-President, and 2nd Vice-President. The organisation also maintains a review coordinator for submissions, and a promotional secretary.

Past presidents