Ethics – Philosophy Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Ethics for High-Impact Publications

Ethics stands as a cornerstone in the field of philosophy, offering a platform for groundbreaking research in moral, political, and applied ethics. Published by the University of Chicago Press since 1890, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for rigorous scholarship that influences ethical discourse worldwide. Researchers value Ethics for its commitment to advancing philosophical inquiry through peer-reviewed articles that tackle contemporary issues with depth and nuance. The journal's scope encompasses normative ethics, metaethics, and the intersections with law, politics, and social sciences, making it essential reading for academics in philosophy departments.

With a history spanning over a century, Ethics has published seminal works by leading thinkers, contributing to its status as one of the top journals in the discipline. Its editorial process ensures high standards, fostering debates that shape ethical theory and practice. For scholars seeking visibility, the journal's inclusion in major indexing services amplifies the reach of published work. Whether exploring virtue ethics or bioethical dilemmas, contributors find a welcoming yet demanding venue that rewards innovative arguments.

The prestige of Ethics lies in its impact factor of 2.0 (2022 Clarivate Analytics), reflecting citations from diverse philosophical subfields. This metric underscores its influence, as articles often become reference points in syllabi and policy discussions. Submission to Ethics offers opportunities for career advancement, with accepted papers enhancing CVs for tenure-track positions. Researchers appreciate the journal's focus on clarity and originality, avoiding superficial treatments in favor of substantive analysis.

To explore philosophy faculty opportunities that align with Ethics' themes, visit philosophy jobs. This guide provides insights into the journal's operations, helping authors navigate the publication landscape effectively.

Overview & History

Ethics was founded in 1890 by the University of Chicago Press, initially as a publication of the American Philosophical Association. It emerged during a period of growing interest in ethical theory amid social reforms in the United States. Over the decades, the journal evolved to address modern challenges, from wartime ethics in the 20th century to contemporary issues like climate justice and AI ethics today.

Key milestones include its role in publishing John Dewey's early works and later contributions from Rawls and Nozick, solidifying its place in analytic philosophy. Today, Ethics maintains a quarterly publication schedule, releasing issues in October, January, April, and July. Each volume features approximately 20-25 articles, book reviews, and symposia on pressing topics. The journal's enduring legacy lies in bridging theoretical philosophy with practical applications, serving scholars across continents.

Its United States-based editorial team ensures a global perspective while rooted in American academic traditions. For those tracking academic timelines, check the academic calendar for submission deadlines aligned with university cycles.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Ethics primarily focuses on moral and political philosophy, but its scope extends to related areas where ethical considerations are central. Articles may address normative questions, conceptual analyses, or empirical studies with philosophical implications. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary work, provided it engages deeply with ethical theory.

This broad yet specialized coverage attracts contributors from philosophy, law, and social sciences. Manuscripts should demonstrate originality and philosophical rigor, avoiding purely descriptive accounts.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight Ethics' influence in philosophy, with steady growth in citations over the past decade. Researchers can use them to evaluate fit for their work. For career insights, see rate my professor reviews from Ethics authors.

Indexing and Abstracting

Ethics is widely indexed, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), Scopus, and PhilPapers. Abstracting services include Philosopher's Index and EBSCO's Academic Search Complete. These affiliations facilitate tracking and citation analysis for authors.

• Web of Science: Full coverage since inception.
• Scopus: High visibility in global rankings.
• DOAJ: Not applicable as it's subscription-based.
• Sherpa/RoMEO: Green open access policy for self-archiving.

Access the official journal homepage at Ethics official site for full archives.

Publication Model and Fees

Ethics operates on a subscription model, with no article processing charges (APC) for authors. The University of Chicago Press handles distribution through institutional licenses and individual subscriptions. Open access options are available via hybrid model, where authors can pay for immediate OA after acceptance.

Fees: No APC for standard publication; OA fee approximately $3,000 (varies). Page charges are not imposed. This model supports accessibility while maintaining quality. For funding advice in philosophy research, explore research grants.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled electronically via the journal's online portal. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 10,000 words, with Chicago style citations. Anonymized review process requires separate title page and abstract.

Steps: Register at the submission site, upload files, and select article type. Review time averages 6-12 months. Guidelines emphasize clear prose and engagement with literature. Visit Ethics submission guidelines for details. Track academic job cycles with academic calendar.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises distinguished philosophers from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief is Julia Driver (Washington University in St. Louis), specializing in moral psychology. Associate editors include experts in feminist ethics and political theory from Harvard and Oxford.

• Julia Driver: Moral philosophy and virtue ethics.
• Richard McCormick: Bioethics and Catholic thought.
• Davis W. Babson: Political philosophy.
• International members from Europe and Asia for global input.

This diverse board ensures balanced, high-quality decisions. Learn more about editors via rate my professor.

Why Publish in Ethics?

Publishing in Ethics elevates a researcher's profile due to its prestige and readership among philosophers. The journal's rigorous peer review hones arguments, leading to stronger scholarship. Accepted articles gain traction in debates, citations, and teaching materials.

Benefits include archival stability, DOI assignment, and promotional support from the publisher. For early-career researchers, it signals excellence to hiring committees. Align your work with philosophy jobs opportunities post-publication.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Ethics excels in ethical subfields, offering targeted impact compared to broader journals like Mind.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty. Engage critically with recent Ethics articles. Seek feedback from peers before submitting. Adhere strictly to word limits and style. Persistence pays off; revisions are common. For philosophy career advice, see philosophy faculty jobs. Monitor academic calendar for deadlines. Network via rate my professor. Prepare for long review; use time for further research. Ensure arguments are robust against counterexamples.