Queen's University Philosopher Advances Moral Philosophy Through Open Access
Kerah Gordon-Solmon, a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, has recently published two significant papers in moral philosophy, both made available through open access channels. This development highlights ongoing efforts within Canadian higher education to broaden the reach of scholarly work in ethics and related fields.
The publications appear in respected journals known for their focus on practical and theoretical questions in moral reasoning. One paper explores concepts of permissibility in ethical decision-making, while the other examines self-blame in cases of personal wrongdoing. Both are freely accessible, aligning with broader trends in academic publishing that prioritize wider dissemination without paywalls.
Background on the Researcher and Queen's Philosophy Department
Queen's University maintains a strong tradition in philosophical inquiry, with its Department of Philosophy supporting research across ethics, political philosophy, and epistemology. Gordon-Solmon's work contributes to this legacy, building on prior contributions in areas such as contractualism and self-defense ethics. Her affiliation with the institution positions her research within Canada's network of leading universities, where faculty often engage with both domestic and international scholarly communities.
The department encourages rigorous examination of moral questions that intersect with public policy, law, and everyday decision-making. Faculty and graduate students at Queen's benefit from resources that support open scholarship, including library subscriptions and institutional repositories that facilitate access to peer-reviewed materials.
Details of the Published Papers
The first paper, titled "The Curious Case of Secondary Permissibility," appears in Ergo, an open access journal of philosophy. It delves into nuanced distinctions in ethical permissibility, offering new perspectives on how secondary considerations influence moral judgments. Readers can access the full text directly through the journal's platform.
The second work, "Blaming Yourself for Wronging Yourself," is forthcoming in Analysis, with open access provisions. This article addresses paradoxes and implications of self-directed blame in moral philosophy, providing analytical tools for understanding personal accountability. Both publications emphasize clarity and argumentative precision, hallmarks of high-quality philosophical research.
The Role of Open Access in Canadian Higher Education
Open access publishing has gained traction across Canadian universities as institutions seek to maximize the impact of publicly funded research. At Queen's and similar institutions, faculty are increasingly opting for models that remove financial barriers for readers, including students, policymakers, and the general public. This approach supports equity in knowledge access, particularly for researchers in under-resourced regions or independent scholars.
Canadian funding agencies and university libraries have promoted open access through agreements with publishers and support for diamond open access journals that charge no fees to authors or readers. Philosophy departments benefit from this shift, as ethical and moral inquiries often inform broader societal debates on justice, rights, and responsibility.
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Implications for Researchers, Students, and Administrators
For early-career researchers and PhD candidates in Canada, Gordon-Solmon's example illustrates the value of targeting open access venues. Such publications can enhance visibility, citation rates, and opportunities for collaboration. University administrators at institutions like Queen's may view these outputs as aligning with institutional goals for research impact and public engagement.
Students in moral philosophy courses gain immediate access to cutting-edge arguments without institutional login requirements. This accessibility fosters deeper classroom discussions and supports independent study. Administrators tracking research metrics appreciate how open access contributes to broader dissemination metrics beyond traditional journal subscriptions.
Broader Context of Moral Philosophy in Canadian Academia
Moral philosophy remains a vibrant area of study at Canadian universities, with programs exploring applied ethics in healthcare, environmental policy, and technology. Queen's University integrates these themes into its curriculum, preparing graduates for roles in academia, public service, and nonprofit sectors. Publications like those by Gordon-Solmon enrich the national conversation on ethical frameworks.
Other Canadian philosophy departments, including those at the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia, similarly emphasize open scholarship. This collective effort strengthens Canada's position in global philosophical discourse while addressing local priorities such as Indigenous ethics and multicultural moral reasoning.
Challenges and Opportunities in Open Access Publishing
While open access offers clear benefits, challenges persist, including the need for sustainable funding models and quality assurance. Canadian universities navigate these issues through consortia and policy development. Gordon-Solmon's success demonstrates that rigorous peer-reviewed work can thrive in open formats.
Opportunities include increased interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with non-academic audiences. Policymakers and practitioners in Canada can draw on freely available philosophical analyses to inform decisions on topics ranging from criminal justice reform to bioethics guidelines.
Future Outlook for Open Scholarship at Queen's and Beyond
Looking ahead, Queen's University and peer institutions are likely to expand support for open access initiatives. This may include dedicated funding for article processing charges where needed and incentives for faculty adopting open models. The trend supports Canada's commitment to inclusive higher education and knowledge mobilization.
As digital platforms evolve, philosophers at Canadian universities will continue to produce work that resonates beyond campus boundaries. Gordon-Solmon's recent contributions exemplify how individual researchers advance both their fields and the accessibility of academic output.
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Perspectives from Stakeholders in Higher Education
Faculty colleagues at Queen's have noted the value of these publications for departmental visibility. Graduate students report that open access materials enhance their research efficiency and exposure to diverse viewpoints. University leaders emphasize alignment with national priorities for research excellence and public benefit.
External observers in the Canadian higher education sector highlight how such examples encourage other departments to prioritize open dissemination. This fosters a culture where scholarship serves wider communities while maintaining scholarly standards.