Nous – Philosophy Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Nous for High-Impact Publications

Nous stands as a cornerstone in the field of philosophy, particularly analytic philosophy, offering a platform for groundbreaking research since its inception in 1967. Published by Wiley-Blackwell, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for rigorous peer review and influential contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and logic. With an impact factor of 2.3 as per the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, Nous attracts submissions from top scholars worldwide, ensuring that published articles shape ongoing debates in philosophical inquiry.

The journal's commitment to excellence is evident in its selective process, where only the most innovative and well-argued papers make it to print or online formats. Researchers value Nous for its broad yet focused scope, allowing explorations of foundational questions in philosophy without compromising depth. Its hybrid publication model supports both subscription access and open access options, making content available to a global audience through platforms like Wiley Online Library.

Key metrics highlight its standing: indexed in Scopus with an SJR of 1.85 and in Web of Science, Nous boasts a h-index of 45, reflecting enduring citation impact. For those aiming to publish in Nous, understanding its emphasis on clarity, originality, and philosophical rigor is essential. The editorial board, comprising luminaries in the field, ensures that each issue advances the discipline.

Whether you're a graduate student seeking to establish credentials or a seasoned professor targeting high-visibility outlets, Nous offers unparalleled opportunities. Its articles frequently inform curricula in philosophy departments across the United States and beyond. To elevate your academic career, consider preparing a submission that aligns with its standards. Explore philosophy jobs or check the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines and events.

Overview & History

Nous was founded in 1967 by Professor Hector-Neri Castañeda at Indiana University, with the aim of fostering analytic philosophy in the English-speaking world. The name 'Nous,' derived from the Greek for 'intellect' or 'mind,' underscores its dedication to intellectual pursuits. Over the decades, it has evolved from a modest publication to a flagship journal, now under Wiley-Blackwell's stewardship since 2007.

Historically, Nous has published seminal works by philosophers like David Lewis and Saul Kripke, influencing generations. Its quarterly issues, each featuring 4-6 articles plus discussions and book symposia, maintain a balance between original research and critical engagement. The journal's relocation to the University of Notre Dame for editorial operations in recent years has further solidified its U.S.-centric yet international reach.

Today, Nous continues to prioritize papers that push boundaries in philosophical methodology, with a circulation that reaches thousands of libraries and individual subscribers globally.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Nous primarily covers analytic philosophy, emphasizing systematic argumentation over historical or continental approaches. Its scope includes metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, mind, and science, as well as ethics and logic when they intersect with core analytic concerns.

Interdisciplinary overlaps with cognitive science and linguistics are welcome, provided they advance philosophical understanding. Submissions outside these areas are rare but considered if exceptionally rigorous.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics position Nous in the Q1 quartile for philosophy journals, underscoring its influence. Citation trends show steady growth, particularly in metaphysics and epistemology sections.

Indexing and Abstracting

Nous is comprehensively indexed in major databases, ensuring visibility for authors. It appears in Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), Scopus, and PhilPapers. Abstracting services include The Philosopher's Index and EBSCO's Academic Search Complete. Full-text availability through JSTOR archives dates back to volume 1, facilitating historical research.

For open access, compliant articles are deposited in PubMed Central if applicable, though primarily philosophy-focused. Researchers can access metrics via Scopus or Clarivate JCR.

Publication Model and Fees

Nous operates a hybrid model: subscription-based with optional open access. Standard articles are behind a paywall, accessible via institutional subscriptions. Authors choosing gold open access pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,200, covering peer review and dissemination. No fees for non-OA submissions.

Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green for self-archiving, allowing preprint deposits in repositories like PhilArchive after acceptance. Page charges are not imposed, making it accessible for early-career researchers.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled exclusively online via the ScholarOne platform at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should be double-anonymous, 8,000-12,000 words, in English, with Chicago-style citations. Prepare files in Word or LaTeX, including an abstract and keywords.

Review time averages 6-9 months, involving 2-3 referees. Revisions are common, with a focus on argumentative strength. For detailed guidelines, visit the official journal homepage. Track your submission status post-upload.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Tamar Szabó Gendler (Yale University), supported by associate editors like Kit Fine (NYU) and Susanna Siegel (Harvard). The board includes 20+ international members, experts in metaphysics (e.g., Dean Zimmerman, Rutgers) and epistemology (e.g., Ernest Sosa, Rutgers).

This diverse group ensures balanced perspectives, with rotating terms to incorporate emerging voices. Board members often contribute symposia on hot topics like consciousness.

Why Publish in Nous?

Publishing in Nous elevates a researcher's profile due to its prestige and citation potential. Articles here are frequently referenced in monographs and syllabi, aiding tenure and grant applications. The journal's U.S. base aligns with major philosophy conferences, fostering networking.

Unlike lower-tier outlets, Nous demands novelty, rewarding bold theses. For career advancement, pair a Nous publication with insights from Rate My Professor reviews or job listings in higher ed jobs.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Nous excels in metaphysics depth compared to Mind's breadth, offering higher specificity for targeted submissions.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

• Engage deeply with recent literature, citing Nous articles to show familiarity.
• Ensure arguments are airtight; counter potential objections proactively.
• Seek feedback from peers before submitting; consider philosophy faculty jobs networks.
• Adhere to word limits and formatting to avoid desk rejection.
• Highlight interdisciplinary angles if applicable, like AI in philosophy of mind.
• Prepare for lengthy reviews by submitting to multiple outlets judiciously.

For more resources, consult the academic calendar for philosophy events or tenure-track jobs in the field.