Overview and Historical Background

The contemporary "Knowledge Explosion" is far from unique in human civilizations. A predecessor and counterpart had its root in early Greek civilization (circa 530-300 B.C.) in which universities proliferated, each with an organized curriculum covering the expanding fields of information. However, to approach the frontiers of knowledge and extend them with new thoughts, ideas, discoveries, and inventions (i.e., to become a leader or participant in the advance), it became necessary for the superior intellect of that time to attend a school, academy, or institute for advanced studies and research.

The modern equivalent to institutes for advanced studies and research of antiquity, with some of the features of the seventeenth and eighteenth century scientific and philosophical societies, is the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry. The Society was founded as "The Thousand" in 1974 and today has some 600 members in thirty-three countries and territories.

The Society accepts standardized test scores or designated unsupervised tests for entrance. Qualification for entrance is based upon present intellectual merit, rather than one's reputation for accomplishment in the past or past academic achievements. Once in the Society, the member is encouraged to apply for promotion based upon contemporary personal achievement and contributions to the general welfare of society. Correspondence among members and publication in the Society's journal, Telicom, are encouraged and rewarded.

Telicom provides a forum for members' views and intellectual production and for official proceedings, and serves to coordinate activities and disseminate information, linking the members and creating a social bond. The name of the journal comes from combining "telic" (toward a principle, goal or end; purposeful) and "com" (English abbreviation of communicate.)

Written records are kept of each member's accomplishments and achievements, so that recognition may be provided by elevation to a higher level of membership by rewards and awards. One's intellectual growth and creative development are encouraged in an environment of advanced studies, research and accomplishment. At higher levels of membership, original contributions to society in general are expected for elevation, and are continually being made and recognized. However, one may proceed at one's own pace within the Society, for it is well understood that each member has real-life obligations.

The Society is therefore an institution for advanced studies, original research and high achievement, for which a demonstrated high level of intellect is merely an entrance requirement.

Status and Proceedings

The ISPE is approved as a non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America under US Code Section 501(c)(3). It is independent of government, political, religious, activist, or academic influence and funding. The Society promotes no cause, movement, fad, cult, sect, or belief except those of individual responsibility for achievement and service, from which are expected to come creative contributions, intellectual development, and achievements that will improve society. Negative and obstructional tactics are avoided, and no vindictive or ad hominem material may appear in the journal.

Yet, it is expected that theories and proposals published in Telicom will generate debate through the process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, via articles from various members published in sequential issues. The process allows a member to openly debate matters of interest, to obtain spirited and well conceived comments and rebuttals, allowing for more formal publication.

The non-expert is welcomed into the debate, winning acceptance on the basis of his or her ability, not academic credentials.

Admission Information