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Glasgow University Dialectic Society
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Glasgow University Dialectic Society, re-instituted in 1861 at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, is a debating, logic, ethics and literary discussion society.
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The Society exists to promote debate on campus.
The date of the Society's founding is contested.
Many claim that it has, in some form, existed since the very beginning of the University: circa 1451. This theory is backed by the 'Papal Letter' received from Pope John Paul II on his visit to Scotland in the 1980s.
The earliest paper records of the Society are dated before 1770.
There are moreover mentions within the University records of a society existing and being open to students who took Logic, back when the University still resided within Glasgow Cathedral.
The Society was formally re-instituted in 1861.
The society is independent and open to all students of the University, it maintains however strong links with debating at Glasgow University Union.
The management of the society is entrusted to a Board elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Board consists of a President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Whip Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Macer, Social Convenor, 3 Ordinary Members and 2 First Year Representatives. The President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary form the Executive. The current President is Neil C. Armstrong.
Some quirks of the electoral procedure at the AGM are that posts are filled in descending order (allowing those who failed to win more important posts to stand for others); and that candidates must leave the room while a vote is taken on them.
The society at its AGM also elects an Honorary President, up to 8 Honorary Vice-Presidents and Honorary Life Members. The current Honorary President is Professor Andrew Nash BVMS PhD CBiol FIBiol DipECVIM MRCVS, Clerk of Senate of the University of Glasgow.
Regular activities include weekly lunchtime debates at the Glasgow University Union and training for new speakers.
The society organises three internal competitions: the Reftable, the Intra-Varsity and the Roderick F Neilson Debate.
Public Debates, Lectures and Book launches are increasingly important.
Annual and New Members' Dinners are held.
A St Andrews-tide Football Game is played.