ISCWP Constitution
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CONSTITUTION

OF

THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF

CHINESE AND WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

 

(April 2002 version approved by the membership)

 

1.  The name of this organization shall be �The International Society for Comparative Studies of Chinese and Western Philosophy� or �ISCWP�.

2.  ISCWP is a non-profit, independent philosophical society in the international academic arena. The Society aims at (1) promoting comparative studies of Chinese philosophy and Western philosophy, (2) facilitating academic contact and exchange of ideas and information among interested philosophers in various regions, and (3) providing channels to bring together Chinese and Western philosophers for learning from each other and joint endeavor to contribute to the common philosophical enterprise.

With the preceding general purposes, the Society emphasizes (but is not limited to) the constructive engagement between Chinese philosophy and Western mainstream philosophy (analytic tradition as well as continental tradition in the West in their broad senses); the Society stresses the sensitivity of such comparative studies to contemporary development and resources of philosophy and their mutual advancement; and, through the characteristic path of comparative studies of Chinese and Western philosophy, the Society strives to contribute to philosophy as common human wealth as well as to respective studies of Chinese philosophy and Western philosophy. The Society also emphasizes building up a channel and outlet for the academic exchange and communication between the homeland of Chinese philosophy and the Western world in philosophy.

The Society is organized exclusively for educational purposes as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. In pursuing such goals, the Society shall not act so as to impair its eligibility for exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

3.  Membership of ISCWP is open to any interested philosopher in various regions.

4.  This Society is directed by the Board of Directors. The Board bears the following      organizational responsibilities:

  • Planning and organizing academic activities;
  • Reporting periodically to members important developments of the Society;
  • Calling for organizational meetings;
  • Appointing ad hoc committees and regional officers when needed;
  • Representing the Society to form agreement with other organizations or individuals;
  • Overseeing new board election and constitution revision.

5.  The Board of Directors consists of a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer. The president assumes primary duties for the aforementioned responsibilities via coordinating the Board meetings, representing the Board and the Society, overseeing the operation of the organization, etc.; the vice president assists the president in performing the duties of the Board; the secretary-treasurer is in charge of bookkeeping.

6.  The term of the Board of Directors is three years. Except for the first Board election, the presidency shall be assumed without further election by the vice-president of the term preceding, unless some unusual event happens. A new vice-president and a new secretary-treasurer shall be elected every three years. Candidates must be members in good standing and express an interest to run for the position. All members of the Board assume office on July 1 following their election. All terms end on the appropriate June 30.

7.  The Society is advised by an Advisory Board which consists of distinguished scholars inWestern philosophy as well as in Chinese and comparative philosophy, all past presidents, and other experienced individuals invited by the Board of Directors on behalf of the Society during their terms of office.

8.  Based upon the size and constitution of membership in a region, a regional officer might be appointed by the Board of Directors. It shall be the duty of such regional officers to assist in their respective regions the president to perform his/her duties and to organize region-related academic activities.

9.  The constitution shall be established and can be revised through ballot vote either at a meeting or via mail (or email) with a minimum of fifty percent of members participate and with a minimum of two-thirds of the voters in favor. 

(The end)