We launched The Raven two years ago to revive a literary form of philosophical writing that, we felt, had fallen out of favor in academic publications due to the professionalization of the field. We believed that others held this style of philosophy in equally high regard and would gravitate to our publication as contributors and readers. Our high hopes were confirmed by our first two issues. But we also knew that our venture might face growing pains and unforeseen complications.
It has taken more time than we anticipated to publish this, our third issue. In that time, we have juggled other duties, lost close family members, confronted a forced sale of a house, and faced health crises. But at long last, The Raven has new writing to share plus some welcome news for our community.
In this issue, Israeli philosopher Oded Na’aman offers a searing examination of his actions as a member of the Israeli Defense Forces serving in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Anil Gomes explores an alternative to the Cartesian and Kantian project of seeking knowledge of the world from the position of an “isolated self”. Joshua Glasgow celebrates the personal rewards of supporting one’s team as a “real” rather than “bandwagon” fan. Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin reviews Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò’s Elite Capture. And Helena de Bres interviews political theorist Lea Ypi about the multiple forms of expression in her best-selling memoir Free: Coming of Age at the End of History.
And with this latest publication we are proud to announce that we are here to stay and anticipate further growth. Prospective contributors please note. Through the generosity of the William H. Miller III Department of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, The Raven can now pay its authors $500 for feature articles and $250 for book reviews and other short pieces.
We look forward to discussing your pitches and submissions for our next issue.