Definition of "Chapter"

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by emb021

Basically, with GLOs, the greek letters are the initials of the group's *real* name, rendered in the greek language. For instance, Phi Beta Kappa is called that because the letters are the initials of a greek phrase that means "Love of learning is the guide of life".

Actually, that example contradicts your claim that "[b]asically, with GLOs, the greek letters are the initials of the group's *real* name." With Phi Beta Kappa, as with many GLOs, the Greek letters stood for the secret motto, not the name. The real name of Phi Beta Kappa was Societas Philosophiae. (And the motto is, I think, traditionally translated "Philosophy is the Guide of Life." There is a difference between "Philosophy" and "Love of Learning" in the context of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa.)

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Ironically the proper letters for the first two actually look like the english equivalent. Is there even a v sound in Greek?

In modern Greek yes. It is represented, I believe, by Beta (pronounced "veta").

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Actually, that example contradicts your claim that "[b]asically, with GLOs, the greek letters are the initials of the group's *real* name." With Phi Beta Kappa, as with many GLOs, the Greek letters stood for the secret motto, not the name. The real name of Phi Beta Kappa was Societas Philosophiae. (And the motto is, I think, traditionally translated "Philosophy is the Guide of Life." There is a difference between "Philosophy" and "Love of Learning" in the context of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa.)

In modern Greek yes. It is represented, I believe, by Beta (pronounced "veta").

Phi Beta Kappa was a bad example, but was said is still true. While there are organizations that have separate mottos, for quite a few the motto is the name. And yeah I looked it up after I posted that question.

ETA: Doesn't Philosophy mean the love of wisdom? Not much different from love of learning.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Phi Beta Kappa was a bad example, but was said is still true. While there are organizations that have separate mottos, for quite a few the motto is the name. And yeah I looked it up after I posted that question.

Yes, for some orgs the secret motto is the name, for others it isn't. This is one of those areas where a blanket statement may not realy fit. For many (most?) orgs, the Greek letters stand for Greek words, but for some they do not stand for Greek words. For some they stand for a secret name (like old Kappa Alpha, which stood for Kuklos Adelphon or "Circle of Brothers.") For others, they stand for a motto that is separate from the name. For still others, they may stand for something else still.

ETA: Doesn't Philosophy mean the love of wisdom? Not much different from love of learning.

Noy exactly. Yes, philosophy is derived from Greek roots meaning love of wisdom (philos and sophia). But that's not what it means. It means:

1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
2. any of the three branches, namely natural philosophy, moral philosophy, and metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study.

(Thanks, dictionary.com)

In the context of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa, the implication is that rationality/reason, rather than, say, religious doctrine is the reliable guide of life.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

but for some they do not stand for Greek words. For some they stand for a secret name (like old Kappa Alpha, which stood for K A)

Is that something that is open? Because the KA Society is still around.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Is that something that is open? Because the KA Society is still around.

Sorry I wasn't more clear. I wasn't referring to KA Society or KA Order. I was referring to the organization sometimes called "Old KA," which was found throughout the South prior to the Civil War. Some sources say it was founded at the University of North Carolina around 1812; other sources say the University of Alabama (or elsewhere) sometime later. It didn't survive the Civil War.

[emb021]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Phi Beta Kappa was a bad example, but was said is still true. While there are organizations that have separate mottos, for quite a few the motto is the name. And yeah I looked it up after I posted that question.

Well, I used Phi Beta Kappa, because this is common knowledge (ie, its no longer secret). You can get this info on their website.

I thougth that was better then trying to either a) make something up or b) reveal another orgs secret info.