Why Researchers Choose Journal of Political Philosophy for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Political Philosophy stands as a cornerstone in the field of political theory and ethics, offering a platform where scholars engage with pressing issues in justice, democracy, and moral philosophy. Established in 1993, this quarterly publication has built a reputation for publishing innovative and rigorous analyses that bridge philosophy with contemporary political challenges. Researchers are drawn to the Journal of Political Philosophy for its commitment to high scholarly standards, evidenced by its inclusion in top indexing services like Web of Science and Scopus. The journal's impact factor of 1.8 reflects its influence, making it a desirable outlet for academics aiming to contribute to global discourse.
With a focus on normative and analytical approaches, the Journal of Political Philosophy welcomes submissions that advance theoretical debates on topics such as human rights, distributive justice, and international relations. Its editorial process ensures that only the most compelling arguments see publication, enhancing the career profiles of authors through association with a respected name in philosophy. The hybrid publication model allows flexibility, combining subscription access with open access options for broader reach. For those navigating the academic job market, publishing in the Journal of Political Philosophy can signal expertise to potential employers in philosophy jobs.
Scholars appreciate the journal's interdisciplinary appeal, intersecting philosophy with political science and law. Its articles often inform policy discussions and ethical frameworks, providing real-world relevance. Whether exploring feminist perspectives on power or critiques of liberalism, the journal fosters dialogue that shapes the discipline. As the academic landscape evolves, the Journal of Political Philosophy remains a vital resource for tenure-track aspirations and collaborative research. To explore opportunities in higher education, consider browsing higher ed jobs that value such publications.
In an era of rapid political change, the Journal of Political Philosophy equips researchers with tools to analyze and propose solutions. Its enduring legacy encourages submissions from emerging and established voices alike. For guidance on academic timelines, check the academic calendar to align your work with submission cycles.
Overview & History
The Journal of Political Philosophy was founded in 1993 by Blackwell Publishers, now part of Wiley-Blackwell, to address the growing need for a dedicated outlet in political theory. It emerged during a period of renewed interest in normative political philosophy, influenced by thinkers like John Rawls and Jürgen Habermas. Over three decades, it has published over 1,000 articles, evolving from a niche quarterly to a globally recognized journal. Key milestones include special issues on global justice in the early 2000s and digital transitions in the 2010s, adapting to open access trends while maintaining editorial rigor.
Edited initially by an international board, it has been led by figures like Chandran Kukathas since 2017, emphasizing diverse viewpoints. The journal's history reflects broader shifts in philosophy, from communitarianism debates to contemporary issues like populism and climate ethics. Its stable publication record, with four issues per year, ensures consistent visibility for contributors.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Journal of Political Philosophy covers a wide array of topics within normative and analytical political theory. It prioritizes original research on ethical dimensions of politics, including democracy, rights, and institutional design. Submissions should engage philosophical arguments rather than empirical data alone.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Political Philosophy | Core focus on theories of justice, legitimacy, and authority. |
| Ethics | Explorations of moral foundations in political decision-making. |
| Political Theory | Historical and contemporary analyses of power and governance. |
| International Relations | Normative issues in global politics, such as cosmopolitanism. |
| Law and Philosophy | Intersections of legal theory and ethical principles. |
This scope attracts interdisciplinary scholars, fostering connections between philosophy and adjacent fields.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 1.8 | Clarivate JCR 2023 |
| CiteScore | 3.2 | Scopus 2023 |
| SJR | 1.2 | Scopus |
| h-index | 52 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
These metrics highlight the journal's solid standing in philosophy rankings, aiding researchers in evaluating publication fit.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Political Philosophy is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and PhilPapers. Additional coverage includes JSTOR for archival access and Google Scholar for broad citation tracking. This indexing supports rate my professor evaluations by showcasing publication impact. Not listed in DOAJ as it is not fully open access.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, the Journal of Political Philosophy offers subscription-based access with optional open access via Wiley's OnlineOpen. The article processing charge (APC) for open access is $3,200, covering peer review and production. Subscriptions are managed through institutional licenses. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green for self-archiving, allowing preprint deposits. This model balances accessibility with sustainability.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via ScholarOne Manuscripts at the journal's official site. Authors must follow the house style, using Chicago or Harvard referencing, with a 8,000-10,000 word limit. Anonymized review requires double-blind procedures. Initial decisions take 4-6 weeks, with revisions possible. Guidelines emphasize clarity and originality. For tips on preparing, see resources on tenure track positions.
- Prepare abstract (150 words)
- Ensure philosophical rigor
- Check for conflicts of interest
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board features leading scholars from institutions like NYU, Oxford, and Harvard. Editor-in-Chief Chandran Kukathas oversees a team of associate editors specializing in ethics and theory. International representation includes members from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, promoting global perspectives. Board members often contribute guest editorials, enriching the journal's content.
Why Publish in Journal of Political Philosophy?
Publishing here elevates scholarly profiles, with citations boosting h-index scores. The journal's prestige aids in securing grants and political science jobs. Its focus on impactful theory resonates in academic and policy circles, offering long-term visibility through stable archiving.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Political Philosophy | 1.8 | Normative theory | Wiley |
| Political Theory | 1.5 | Historical theory | SAGE |
| Ethics | 2.1 | Moral philosophy | University of Chicago |
| Philosophy & Public Affairs | 1.9 | Applied ethics | Wiley |
| Journal of Applied Philosophy | 1.4 | Practical issues | Wiley |
This comparison shows the Journal of Political Philosophy's competitive edge in political ethics.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with current debates, such as AI ethics in politics. Revise for conciseness and seek peer feedback before submission. Track cycles using the academic calendar. Engage with recent issues for contextual fit. For career advancement, leverage publications in applications for philosophy faculty jobs. Persistence pays off in this selective venue.