Philosophy Undergraduate Journal
We are a student-run philosophy journal at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Spring of 2024 we published our seventh edition of Epistemai, an Undergraduate Philosophy Journal with a focus on short, original, philosophical work done by undergraduates from universities across the country, and internationally.
If you are interested in learning more about our journal, what we do, and how to join our staff, fill out this form and one of our staffers will reach out to you! We look forward to hearing from you!
Our vision for Epistemai is to provide opportunities for undergraduate students to gain deep experience with academic and public philosophy through practice.
One goal of Epistemai is to provide a forum for undergraduate philosophy students to have their papers critically reviewed, edited, and published, and to publish quality works of philosophy that can be read and considered by our peers.
Additionally, it is our goal to offer undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota the opportunity to gain experience in the academic peer review process and develop skills in editing, critical analysis, organization, and writing. We endeavor to create an inclusive and welcoming space that fosters intellectual and philosophical diversity and allows undergraduate philosophy students to lead, connect, and collaborate with peers on philosophical projects.
This year, we will be implementing a rolling-acceptance based model for submissions. This means that earlier submissions will receive priority in consideration, with the first formal deadline on January 1st, 2025, and a second and final deadline on February 15th, 2025. Submissions received prior to the first deadline will also be considered for our 2025 undergraduate conference, which will be held in mid-to-late spring. We currently plan to accept five papers for the conference and eight for publication in total.
Criteria for Papers:
Must be written by an undergraduate.
Original and concise philosophical work with a length between 3000 and 6000 words (12 to 24 pages).
Include a 100–200 word abstract summarizing your paper and page numbers.
Chicago style citations are preferred for submissions, and will be required for publishing.
Cannot be published elsewhere.
Submission Process:
Submit your paper electronically by February 15th, 2025 by uploading a .docx or .docs file (must be editable) to this form, or by email to [email protected]. Submissions from those who would like to participate in the conference or are seeking priority consideration are due on January 1st, 2025.
Include a cover page with the following personal information (do not include a name or any personal information elsewhere in the paper): your name, your email, and your undergraduate institution name.
All papers will undergo a blind peer review.
Papers will be selected by early spring. You will be notified as to our decision at that time.
Questions? Contact us! [email protected]
Current Epistemai staff
Elijah Arnett
Peer Reviewer
My name is Elijah and I am a freshman majoring in Neuroscience, with current prospects in minoring in mathematics and philosophy. My primary philosophical interests are within continental philosophy with a focus on philosophy of mind, aesthetics, phenomenology, and existential philosophy. Lately I’ve been working to understand and apply Jungian and Lacanian psychoanalytic theory within my focus on aesthetic experience and philosophy of mind. In my spare time, I am a musician and poet. I am also currently a premedical student.
Sofia Aronson
Editor, Peer Reviewer
My name is Sofia Aronson and I am from Duluth, Minnesota. I am a junior, studying Philosophy, Economics, and French Studies. My main interests in Philosophy are ethics, aesthetics, epistemology and philosophy of science. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, going to museums and hanging out with friends!
Blake Briol
Editor-in-Chief, Peer Reviewer
Hello, my name is Blake. I am a junior majoring in philosophy and mathematics. My main focuses in philosophy include the philosophy of mathematics and logic. I very much enjoy chess, powerlifting, and cooking.
Jonathan Clark-Harrer
Peer Reviewer
My name is Jonathan. I’m a senior majoring in Computer Science. I love to argue and generate ingenious ideas about how to improve society. In my free time I like to read and touch grass.
Tripp Dow
Peer Reviewer, Editor
My name is Tripp Dow, and I'm from Rochester, Minnesota. I’m a senior studying Computer Science, Mathematics, and Philosophy. I focus on philosophy of science, mind, and language. My hobbies include coding, climbing trees, and dressing up like a clown
Elliot Duffy
Peer Reviewer
My name is Elliot and I am a senior studying Philosophy. My main philosophical interests include epistemology, ethics, and meta-ethics. I’m particularly fond of skepticism and tolerate Kant. In
my spare time I enjoy watching stand-up comedy and reading.
Grant Hayden
Peer Reviewer
My name is Grant Hayden. Hailing from Texas, I am a Freshman Philosophy student with interest in pursuing a History major as well. My main philosophical interests are existentialism, political philosophy, and fin de siecle modernism. Aside from philosophy, I enjoy writing, coding, and playing the accordion
Elif Hidayet
Vice President, Editor, Peer Reviewer
My name is Elif. I’m a senior majoring in Computer Science and Philosophy. My main areas of interest in Philosophy include ethics, moral philosophy, and philosophy of love. My hobbies include long walks on the beach, watching sunsets, and traveling!
Gustavus Humphrey
Editor-in-Chief, Head of Conference Planning, Peer Reviewer
I’m Gus! I’m currently a senior majoring in Philosophy (and an ex-Film Studies major). My latest obsessions in philosophy have been the works of Zhuangzi, Nietzsche, and Spinoza. Outside of
philosophy, I am a big fan of playing tabletop games, watching weird movies, and spending time outdoors.
Samuel King
Editor, Peer Reviewer
My name is Samuel King. I’m a senior studying Anthropology, Philosophy and the History of Science. My main areas of interest are the philosophy of biology and the philosophy of archaeology, especially as it pertains to hominin evolution in the mid- to late Pleistocene. I also have hobbies.
Joel Miles
Communications Manager. Editor, Peer Reviewer
My name is Joel. I’m a senior studying philosophy and linguistics. I’m a generalist with regards to philosophy, but have particular interests in analytic metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of mind. In my free time I enjoy reading (especially about contemporary art, history of religions, and music), playing quizbowl, and going to an occasional concert.
Frank Nussbaum
Peer Reviewer
My name is Frank Nussbaum. I’m a sophomore majoring in Philosophy, and Korean Studies. My main areas of interest are Existentialism, and Aesthetics. Specifically Surrealist art and theater, as well as the philosophy of the novel. In my spare time I enjoy reading, or playing video games
Chris Pham
Peer Reviewer
My name is Chris. I'm a junior studying philosophy and chemistry. My main philosophical interests include the history of early modern and analytic philosophy, language, mind, and philosophy of science. In my free time, I enjoy working-out, cooking and going to cafes.
Grae Roeder
President, Editor, Peer Reviewer
Hi, my name is Grae. I am a senior majoring in Philosophy, Political Science, and Global Studies, but I also love the Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature department at UMN. I primarily study social and political philosophy. I enjoy listening to music (especially live), cycling, cooking, and Youtube videos.
Mike Sprung II
Head Staff Writer, Editor, Peer Reviewer
My name is Mike Sprung II, and I am from Minnesota. I am a senior Philosophy major and I am this year’s head staff writer! My interests in philosophy include: history of philosophy, medieval
philosophy, and philosophy of religion. In my spare time I enjoy reading Dostoevsky novels, smoking cigars, playing board games, and competing at jiu jitsu tournaments
My name is Hannah and I'm a junior studying Environmental Science, Policy and Management and Philosophy. I don't think I can single out a branch of philosophy as my favorite but my go-to
philosophers include Slavoj Zizek and Catharine MacKinnon. In my free time I enjoy climbing and snowboarding, music, going to plays/concerts, or doing anything with friends!