Utilitas

Scope & Guideline

Cultivating innovative perspectives on ethics and society.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Utilitas with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0953-8208
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1989 to 2007, from 2010 to 2024
AbbreviationUTILITAS / Utilitas
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

Utilitas focuses on philosophical inquiries related to ethics, moral theory, and social justice, drawing from historical and contemporary thought. The journal aims to provide a platform for rigorous analysis and debate on moral issues that affect individuals and societies.
  1. Ethical Theories and Moral Philosophy:
    The journal explores various ethical frameworks, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, providing a rich discourse on their implications for moral decision-making.
  2. Social Justice and Equality:
    Utilitas emphasizes discussions surrounding social justice, inequality, and the moral responsibilities individuals and societies hold towards one another, particularly in relation to economic and environmental issues.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Ethics:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary research that incorporates insights from political philosophy, economics, and social sciences, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ethical issues.
  4. Historical Contextualization of Moral Issues:
    Utilitas frequently revisits historical philosophical texts and figures, such as John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham, to draw connections between past and present ethical dilemmas.
  5. Applied Ethics:
    The journal publishes works that apply ethical theories to real-world issues, including bioethics, animal ethics, and environmental ethics, making philosophical discussions relevant and actionable.
Utilitas has shown a dynamic evolution in its focus, with several emerging themes gaining traction in recent publications. This section outlines the notable trends and topics that are becoming increasingly relevant.
  1. Moral Uncertainty and Decision-Making:
    Recent publications emphasize the complexities of moral uncertainty, reflecting a growing interest in how individuals navigate ethical dilemmas when faced with ambiguous situations.
  2. Intergenerational Justice:
    There is an increasing focus on intergenerational justice, highlighting moral responsibilities towards future generations, particularly in discussions of climate change and resource allocation.
  3. Animal Ethics and Welfare:
    The journal is witnessing a rise in discussions surrounding animal ethics, particularly concerning wild animal suffering and the moral implications of intervention in nature.
  4. Health and Well-Being Ethics:
    Emerging themes related to health, well-being, and the ethics of paternalism indicate a trend towards examining how ethical frameworks can guide public health and individual health decisions.
  5. Social and Economic Justice:
    Recent articles illustrate a renewed focus on the intersections of ethics with social and economic justice, particularly in the context of inequality and economic growth debates.

Declining or Waning

While Utilitas has a robust foundation in various ethical discussions, certain themes and topics appear to be diminishing in prominence over recent years. This section highlights those waning areas.
  1. Traditional Egoism:
    Discussions centered on egoism as a moral framework have decreased, possibly indicating a shift towards more collective and altruistic ethical theories that prioritize social welfare.
  2. Overly Abstract Theoretical Constructs:
    There seems to be a declining interest in highly abstract philosophical constructs that lack practical implications, as the journal increasingly favors applied ethics and real-world relevance.
  3. Narrow Utilitarian Perspectives:
    The journal has moved away from narrow interpretations of utilitarianism, focusing instead on broader ethical discussions that encompass a variety of moral theories and approaches.
  4. Historical Philosophical Figures in Isolation:
    While historical figures such as Mill and Bentham are still discussed, their analysis is now often contextualized within contemporary debates rather than treated as standalone authorities.
  5. Purely Theoretical Debates on Consequentialism:
    There is a noticeable reduction in articles that engage in purely theoretical debates about consequentialism without applying these discussions to current moral dilemmas.

Similar Journals

Ideas y Valores

Cultivating Ideas for a Richer Academic Landscape
Publisher: UNIV NAC COLOMBIA, FAC CIENCIAS HUMANASISSN: 0120-0062Frequency: 3 issues/year

Ideas y Valores is a distinguished academic journal published by the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Ciencias Humanas, focusing on the dynamic field of philosophy. Established in 1951, it has been a crucial platform for philosophical discourse in Latin America and widely accessible as an Open Access publication, promoting the free exchange of ideas. The journal addresses various philosophical themes, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and enriching the academic landscape. With its ISSN 0120-0062 and E-ISSN 2011-3668, Ideas y Valores has been recognized with a Q4 ranking in the Scopus category of Philosophy, positioned within the 13th percentile among similar titles. Its contributions remain vital for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of philosophical concepts and engage with current debates. The journal's commitment to originality and relevance ensures it remains a pivotal resource within its field.

Ethics & Global Politics

Unpacking Ethical Challenges in International Relations
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1654-4951Frequency: 1 issue/year

Ethics & Global Politics is a pioneering journal published by Taylor & Francis Ltd that focuses on the intersection of ethical considerations and global political dynamics. Since its inception in 2008, this open-access journal has been instrumental in fostering scholarly discourse surrounding key issues in Political Science, International Relations, and Sociology. With its commitment to providing unrestricted access to research, it aims to reach a diverse audience, including researchers, policymakers, and students alike. The journal is ranked in the Q3 quartile for both Political Science and Sociology categories, showcasing its relevance and impact in these fields, with a Scopus rank that places it in the 49th percentile in Political Science and 47th percentile in Sociology. Covering significant themes from 2009 to 2024, the journal plays a crucial role in advancing conversations on ethical frameworks that underpin global governance and international relations, making it an essential resource for those invested in the ethical implications of global political actions.

PHILOSOPHY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Navigating the Philosophical Dimensions of Public Issues
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0048-3915Frequency: 4 issues/year

PHILOSOPHY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS is a prestigious academic journal published by Wiley, renowned for its rigorous exploration of the intersections between philosophical inquiry and pressing public issues. Since its inception in 1973, this journal has become a leading platform in the fields of history and philosophy of science, political science and international relations, and social sciences, achieving a remarkable Q1 ranking across these domains in 2023. With substantial impact reflected in its Scopus rankings—16th in Arts and Humanities for History and Philosophy of Science and 99th in Social Sciences for Political Science—the journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with influential ideas and contemporary debates. While the journal is not currently open access, it continues to broaden the discourse surrounding ethical governance, civic engagement, and global justice through its diverse range of published articles. For scholars striving to deepen their understanding of vital societal challenges, PHILOSOPHY & PUBLIC AFFAIRS promises invaluable insights and a compelling intellectual experience.

Journal of Practical Ethics

Navigating the Intersection of Ethics and Practice
Publisher: OXFORD UEHIRO CENTRE PRACTICAL ETHICSISSN: 2051-655XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of Practical Ethics is an esteemed open-access journal published by the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, dedicated to enhancing the discourse surrounding ethical issues in various fields, including healthcare, technology, and social policy. Since its inception in 2013, the journal has fostered a robust academic platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore and publish innovative ideas and solutions to real-world ethical dilemmas. The journal's commitment to making research freely accessible emphasizes its role in bridging the gap between academic inquiry and practical application, thereby encouraging a broader engagement with ethical considerations across disciplines. As the importance of ethical frameworks continues to grow in an increasingly complex world, the Journal of Practical Ethics stands as a vital resource for those seeking to influence policy and practice through rigorous ethical analysis.

PACIFIC PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY

Challenging Perspectives, Cultivating Knowledge
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0279-0750Frequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the PACIFIC PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY, a leading journal in the field of philosophy, published by Wiley. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the top 15% of its category (Q1 in Philosophy), this esteemed journal has become a vital source for scholars and practitioners alike. Established in 1996, the journal presents groundbreaking articles that explore contemporary philosophical issues, ensuring its relevance through converged contributions up to 2024. With robust Scopus rankings, including a position of #122 out of 806 in the Arts and Humanities category, the quarterly serves as a platform for innovative ideas and rigorous debates in the philosophical community. Though it does not offer open access, its insights are invaluable for researchers, professionals, and students eager to deepen their understanding of philosophical discourse.

THOMIST

Challenging Boundaries in Philosophy and Religion
Publisher: THOMIST PRESSISSN: 0040-6325Frequency: 4 issues/year

THOMIST is a distinguished journal published by THOMIST PRESS, based in the United States, focusing on the critical exploration of philosophical and theological concepts rooted in the Thomistic tradition. With an ISSN of 0040-6325, this esteemed periodical has been contributing to the fields of philosophy and religious studies since its inception in 1973, establishing itself as a pivotal resource for scholars and practitioners alike. The journal is currently ranked in the Q3 quartile for both Philosophy and Religious Studies, reflecting its growing impact and relevance in these academic domains, with Scopus rankings placing it at #357 and #498 respectively in the Arts and Humanities categories. While THOMIST operates without an open access model, it remains an invaluable repository for innovative research, commentaries, and analyses that seek to bridge contemporary thought with classical philosophical inquiries. As it continues to engage with critical themes in ethics, metaphysics, and faith, THOMIST invites contributions that challenge and enrich the discourse, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students invested in the intersection of philosophy and religion.

Journal of Social Philosophy

Advancing Conversations in Social Theory
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0047-2786Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Social Philosophy, published by Wiley, is a premier academic resource in the field of philosophy, specifically focused on social theory and ethics. With an esteemed impact factor indicative of its scholarly influence, this journal consistently ranks in the Q1 category of philosophy journals, placing it among the top 12% of publications in its field according to Scopus. Spanning a convergence of intellectual inquiry since its establishment in 1970, the journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to engage with groundbreaking discussions and contemporary debates relevant to social philosophy. Although it does not offer an open-access model, the journal is accessible through various academic institutions globally, ensuring that its rich content reaches an informed audience eager for rigorous philosophical exploration. With headquarters located in the United Kingdom, the Journal of Social Philosophy continues to shape the discourse on social practices, ethics, and political theory well into 2024 and beyond.

Philosophical Papers

Fostering Intellectual Growth in Philosophy
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0556-8641Frequency: 3 issues/year

Philosophical Papers, an esteemed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a pivotal resource in the field of philosophy. Having established its presence since 1972, this journal has converged a wealth of intellectual discourse and contributes to the continuous development of philosophical thought until 2024. With a prestigious Q1 category ranking in the arts and humanities, and a notable 86th percentile ranking in Scopus's philosophy category, it underscores its commitment to rigorous scholarship and influential research. Although Open Access options are not currently available, the journal remains a vital platform for philosophers, researchers, and students aiming to engage with pivotal philosophical debates and advancements. Set in the UK, Philosophical Papers exemplifies the intersection of tradition and innovation in philosophical inquiry, making it an indispensable reference for anyone dedicated to exploring the complexities of human thought and existence.

DEUTSCHE ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PHILOSOPHIE

Elevating scholarly dialogue in the realm of philosophy.
Publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBHISSN: 0012-1045Frequency: 6 issues/year

DEUTSCHE ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PHILOSOPHIE is a prominent academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of philosophy, published by WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH. Since its inception in 1953 and extending its converged years to 2024, it has been a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse, fostering critical thought and innovative ideas in philosophical studies. With its ISSN 0012-1045 and E-ISSN 2192-1482, the journal holds a commendable position in the academic community, recognized as a Q2 journal in the 2023 Philosophy category, currently ranked #390 out of 806 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities rankings, placing it in the 51st percentile. Although it does not offer open access, its commitment to rigorous peer review ensures that each publication meets high academic standards, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with contemporary philosophical debates and theories. The journal is situated in Berlin, Germany, at Genthiner Straße 13, D-10785 Berlin, Germany, and continues to be an essential outlet for philosophical inquiry and scholarly achievement.

KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL

Illuminating Ethical Challenges in Health and History
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 1054-6863Frequency: 4 issues/year

The KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL, published by the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a leading periodical in the realm of ethics, particularly emphasizing the intersection of health policy, social sciences, history, and philosophy of science. With an ISSN of 1054-6863 and an E-ISSN of 1086-3249, this journal has been a cornerstone of ethical discourse since its inception in 1991. Renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, the journal boasts impressive rankings, including Q1 in History and Philosophy of Science and Q2 in Health (Social Science) for 2023. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find this journal invaluable for navigating complex ethical issues, providing a platform for innovative research and discourse. Although currently not offering Open Access, its contributions to the fields of ethics and legal aspects of health are profound, making it an essential resource for those engaged in these critical discussions.