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When Philo was founded, in 1813, its intent was "to promote the learning of its members and to increase the academic prestige of the University." At the time of its founding, literary societies were sprouting throughout the country, with an aim to augment the academic rigor of a University experience. In so doing, Philo's implicit goal was to help create leaders in society. Due to society's state at the time, the arts of rhetoric, oratory, and writing, were emphasized as a part of Philo's action (with vestiges remaining in the membership's three-step process).
Today, more than 190 years after its founding, Philo remains consistent with that founding. Through time, it has taken an influential role on Penn's campus, working to found entire curriculum departments (e.g. Religious Studies, American Civilization, and Comparative Literature), start the campus newspaper (The Daily Pennsylvanian), and strive always to improve the potential for an exemplary academic experience at Penn.