Phi Sigma Tau has five stated purposes:

1) to serve as a means of recognizing students who have achieved high scholarship and personal integrity in philosophy;
2) to promote student interest in research and advanced study in philosophy and its cognate fields;
3) to provide opportunities for the preparation and critical discussion of student anf faculty papers of philosophical merit;
4) to encourage a professional and friendly spirit among those who have displayed marked ability in philosophy;
5) to popularize interest in philosophy and the student of philosophyamong the students and the publics of St. Mary's University