Why Researchers Choose American Philosophical Quarterly for High-Impact Publications
American Philosophical Quarterly stands as a cornerstone in philosophical scholarship, offering a platform for original research that advances critical thinking across diverse subfields. Established in 1964 by the University of Pennsylvania Press, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for publishing high-quality articles that engage with foundational questions in philosophy. Researchers value its commitment to rigorous peer review, ensuring that only the most innovative and well-argued papers make it to print. With a focus on clarity and depth, contributions often explore metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind, making it an essential outlet for academics seeking to influence ongoing debates.
The journal's editorial process emphasizes philosophical rigor without unnecessary jargon, appealing to both established scholars and emerging voices. Its issues feature articles that challenge assumptions and propose novel frameworks, contributing to the broader discourse in humanities and social sciences. Indexed in major databases like Scopus and the Philosopher's Index, publications here enhance visibility and citation potential. For philosophers aiming to disseminate ideas that resonate internationally, American Philosophical Quarterly provides a trusted venue.
Beyond its academic prestige, the journal supports open access options through institutional partnerships, broadening reach without compromising quality. Submission volumes reflect its selectivity, with acceptance rates that reward excellence. Researchers often cite its role in career advancement, as articles here are frequently referenced in syllabi and monographs. To explore opportunities, consider submitting your work via the official portal or reviewing past issues for alignment with current calls.
Whether you're investigating normative theories or logical structures, this journal facilitates meaningful dialogue. For those navigating academia, resources like Rate My Professor can complement your research journey, while checking the academic calendar ensures timely submissions. Delve deeper into philosophy's frontiers with American Philosophical Quarterly.
Overview & History
Founded in 1964, American Philosophical Quarterly emerged as a response to the need for a dedicated outlet for analytical philosophy in the United States. Published by the University of Pennsylvania Press, it quickly gained prominence for its focus on clear, argumentative essays. Over the decades, it has evolved to include interdisciplinary perspectives while maintaining its core emphasis on traditional philosophical problems. Key milestones include its early adoption of blind review processes and expansion to digital formats in the 2000s, enhancing accessibility for global audiences.
The journal's history reflects broader trends in philosophy, from analytic dominance to inclusive approaches incorporating continental influences. Editors have included luminaries like Nicholas Rescher, underscoring its intellectual lineage. Today, it remains a quarterly publication with four issues per year, each containing 5-7 articles averaging 8,000 words. Its enduring legacy lies in fostering debates that shape curricula at top universities worldwide.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
American Philosophical Quarterly welcomes submissions across philosophy's major branches, prioritizing originality and logical precision. Core areas include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of language, but it also accommodates philosophy of science, mind, and religion when they intersect with foundational issues.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Metaphysics | Explorations of reality, existence, and causality. |
| Epistemology | Theories of knowledge, justification, and skepticism. |
| Ethics | Normative and meta-ethical inquiries. |
| Philosophy of Mind | Consciousness, intentionality, and cognitive science interfaces. |
| Logic and Philosophy of Language | Arguments, semantics, and pragmatics. |
This broad yet focused scope ensures relevance to diverse philosophical inquiries, encouraging cross-disciplinary submissions.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed | Clarivate JCR |
| SCImago SJR | 0.25 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 45 | Scopus |
| CiteScore | 0.8 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 15% | Publisher data |
These metrics highlight the journal's solid standing in philosophy, where qualitative impact often outweighs quantitative scores.
Indexing and Abstracting
American Philosophical Quarterly is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide discoverability. Key services include Scopus, Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), Philosopher's Index, and JSTOR. This coverage facilitates citations from interdisciplinary fields, amplifying research influence. Abstracts are available through EBSCO and ProQuest, supporting library access worldwide.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates on a hybrid model, with subscription-based access supplemented by optional open access. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for OA are $2,500, waivable for authors from low-income countries or via institutional agreements. No fees apply for standard submissions, aligning with its non-profit publisher status. Digital issues are available via Project MUSE and the publisher's platform.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts should be submitted electronically through the journal's online system at the official site. Guidelines require double-spaced text, 8,000-word limit, and anonymized files for blind review. Authors must include abstracts (150 words) and keywords. Review typically takes 3-6 months, with decisions communicated promptly. Compliance with Chicago style citations is mandatory.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises experts from leading institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh and Oxford University. Notable members like Ernest Sosa (epistemology) and Tamar Gendler (philosophy of mind) bring diverse expertise. Their oversight ensures balanced, high-standard evaluations.
Why Publish in American Philosophical Quarterly?
Publishing here offers prestige and permanence in a competitive field. Articles gain traction in academic circles, aiding tenure and grant applications. The journal's selectivity signals quality, while its readership includes top philosophers globally. For career-minded researchers, it's a strategic choice for building a robust publication record.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | Impact Metric | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophical Quarterly | Analytic philosophy | SJR 1.2 | Quarterly |
| Philosophical Studies | Metaphysics, epistemology | IF 1.5 | Monthly |
| Mind | Philosophy of mind, logic | SJR 2.0 | Quarterly |
| Nous | Ethics, metaphysics | IF 2.1 | Bimonthly |
American Philosophical Quarterly distinguishes itself through its American-centric yet international scope, offering a unique blend of accessibility and depth compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, craft a clear thesis with robust arguments. Engage recent literature without overwhelming citations. Seek feedback from colleagues pre-submission. Tailor to the journal's analytical style, avoiding speculative claims. Track revisions meticulously for resubmissions. Utilize resources like philosophy faculty positions to contextualize your work's relevance.