[5] The society's motto, "Eloquentiam Libertati Devinctam" reminds its members that they are pursuing Eloquence in Defense of Liberty.

[4] In recent years, the Philodemic has taken a more active role in engaging other prominent debating societies on the Eastern seaboard.

In 1830, students under the leadership of Father James A. Ryder, S.J., later elevated to university president, founded the Philodemic Society.

"[8] Though a secular society, the Philodemic often recognized Georgetown's Catholic traditions, and beginning in 1841, added an official commemoration of the Jesuit landing at St. Mary's City, Maryland, to their calendar.

During this time period, debates were held in other campus venues, and even once in the hallway outside the Philodemic Room.

Every Thursday, after the debate, the Society journeys to Martin's Tavern on Wisconsin Avenue to continue the discussion.

[16] Two keynote speeches are given at the start of each debate, one speaker on the affirmation and the other in the negation of a resolution that had been previously selected by the Society at a Business Meeting.

Once the keynoters have finished making their remarks, the president reads the house rules, and opens the floor to the Debate.

Floor speeches are relatively short—under three minutes—and are meant to be an unprepared address that anyone in attendance may give at a moments notice.

After several rounds of floor speeches that last for about one hour, the keynoters are invited back to give their closing remarks.

The event is cherished by members both graduated and undergraduate as it gives them a chance to reconnect with old friends and see how the Society has progressed as an organization since leaving campus.

It also represents an important opportunity for members of the Society to network with and learn from graduated peers who can offer their invaluable insights, opinions and experience of life after college.

Members will constantly attempt to outdo each other all in the hopes to impress the audience with his or her clever speech and slick wordplay.

Dionne, Patrick J. Conroy, Dan Lungren, Chai Feldblum, Thomas L. Ambro, Joseph Lhota[18] and Albert Wynn.

At the conclusion of the debate, the judges chose the keynoter they believe best demonstrated "Eloquence in Defense of Liberty" and award him or her the Merrick Medal.

"At that time and for years afterward it was considered a mark of especial distinction to be elected an honorary member of the society and some of the foremost men in public life at the national capital were so honored.

"[21] Honorary members include George Washington Parke Custis, William Gaston, Ulysses S. Grant, James Hoban, Andrew Jackson, Robert E. Lee, Robert McClelland, Franklin Pierce, William Winston Seaton, John Hughes and Zachary Taylor.