The Journal of Controversial Ideas, should it be created, might become the most widely read and debated academic journal in history. Compare its name to, say, the Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics or Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, to say nothing of Calcified Tissue International. Which might the inexpert reader be more enthusiastic about perusing?
The Journal of Controversial Ideas is the brainchild of philosophers Jeff McMahan, Peter Singer and Francesca Minerva, and is seeking a publisher for its launch next year. It will be unusual in that it will accept submissions from pseudonymous authors. This reflects concerns regarding curbs on academic freedom. Some scholars, McMahan says, “face a choice, or perceive a choice, between not publishing something and risking … terrible consequences.” The journal, he adds, will “provide a way to avoid that dilemma”. Princeton professor Robert George, a prominent conservative Catholic, has joined the journal’s editorial board.
