A bold move has been made by the editorial team of a renowned philosophy journal, sparking a significant shift in the academic publishing landscape. But what led to this dramatic decision?
The entire editorial board of Springer's Journal of Philosophical Logic has resigned, citing their immediate or upcoming departure. They have simultaneously launched a new open-access journal, Philosophical Logic, under the 'diamond' model. This move ensures the journal's independence and accessibility, as it is published by the Open Library of Humanities (OLH) and not affiliated with Springer Nature.
The editors' statement reveals a commitment to making academic research widely available. They believe that the new journal will uphold the same high standards as its predecessor, and they encourage hiring and promotion committees to value publications in Philosophical Logic equally. But here's where it gets controversial: the editors argue that their decision is a continuation of the journal's founding vision, which might be a matter of interpretation.
The Journal of Philosophical Logic has a rich history, dating back to 1972 when Nicholas Rescher established it with Bas van Fraassen as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief. Over the years, it has been published by various entities, finally resting with Springer. The Executive Board, which has overseen editor selection, is now transitioning to the new journal, along with the editorial team.
The launch of Philosophical Logic is part of a broader trend in logic and philosophy, with several recent open-access journal launches in these fields. The editors express enthusiasm for this movement and cite examples like Zeitschrift für Mathematische Logik und Grundlagen der Mathematik and OLH's own Political Philosophy and Free and Equal. These journals, along with others in nearby disciplines, have successfully embraced the diamond open-access model.
Philosophical Logic aims to publish original research across the spectrum of philosophical logic, inviting papers that explore both traditional areas and innovative applications. The website invites submissions that bridge philosophy and logic, from conceptual analyses to technical advancements.
The editorial team, comprising esteemed scholars from universities worldwide, is committed to the new journal's success. They thank the philosophical logic community for their support and eagerly await submissions. And this is the part most people miss: this move raises questions about the future of academic publishing and the balance between traditional models and open access.
What do you think about this controversial shift? Is it a step towards a more accessible academic world, or does it disrupt established norms in ways that might be concerning? Share your thoughts and let's spark a discussion!
