Mexico City, October 3, 2024 – The thought of Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential philosophers in history, whose work ranges from ethics and metaphysics to the theory of knowledge, is still an inexhaustible source of study and debate.
In this context, the Journal of Kantian Studies (REK) a specialized publication on the figure and legacy of Kant, has established itself as an essential reference for researchers in Spanish-speaking countries and beyond. The editor-in-chief of this important discussion platform is Dr. Eduardo Charpenel Elorduy, a professor at the School of Philosophy at Universidad Panamericana, who has recently assumed the role of co-editor-in-chief.
A new role in the Kantian world
Dr. Charpenel assumed this role in early 2024, after being nominated by the Board of Directors of the Society for Kantian Studies in Spanish (SEKLE). This society, of which he has been a member since 2016, is one of the most important organizations in the field of Kantian studies and is recognized for bringing together scholars from around the world who are dedicated to deepening the work of the famous German philosopher.
As Dr. Charpenel himself explains, at SEKLE there is a natural turnover of positions that allows for the periodic renewal of strategic roles within the organization, and it was within this framework that he was offered this new editorial challenge, which he accepted with enthusiasm.
“I was asked to take on the role of co-editor-in-chief of the journal at the beginning of 2024, and I gladly accepted,” says Dr. Charpenel. However, the challenge has been considerable, especially in terms of becoming familiar with internal dynamics that require precision and attention to detail.
Challenges and Importance of Editorial Work
One of the main challenges Dr. Charpenel has faced is gaining a deep understanding of the publishing and editing processes. The Journal of Kantian Studies, as a high-level academic publication, follows a strict article evaluation process.
As the scholar explains, “authors have the opportunity to propose special issues or thematic sections based on a specific branch of Kantian thought“. This allows the published articles to be not only diverse, but also to address the most innovative aspects of Kant’s work in depth.
In addition, the publication fosters scholarly debate through specialized discussions of recently published books. Dr. Charpenel emphasizes the participatory nature of these debates, in which various scholars address issues related to a work and the author responds to the contributions of his critics.
This exchange of ideas, in addition to deepening our understanding of Kant, enables researchers to engage in fruitful dialogues that transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries.
“Discussions of Kant help many people address issues of human and animal rights, migration, or even challenges related to artificial intelligence,” adds Dr. Charpenel. This contemporary approach to Kant’s work demonstrates the philosopher’s relevance in the 21st century and how his ideas continue to be applicable to issues of concern to both scholars and society at large.
REK’s global impact
The journal has been recognized as one of the world’s leading publications specializing in Kantian philosophy. The Society for Kantian Studies in Spanish, under the auspices of which it is published, has brought together scholars from various parts of the world, many of whom are not native Spanish speakers.
“A large part of the academic community closely follows the contributions published in our journal,” says the co-editor-in-chief. The journal accepts articles in several languages, which allows Kantian studies published in this forum to reach a global audience.
One of the most prominent recent topics included a discussion of the German author Karoline Reinhardt’s book, in which she explores the relevance of migration policies and international law inspired by Kantian philosophy.
In this discussion, a number of scholars presented their insights on Reinhardt’s work, sparking an exchange of ideas that concluded with a response from the author. For Charpenel, such dialogues are essential for addressing contemporary problems from a sound philosophical perspective.
REK’s international reach and future
One of Dr. Charpenel’s main objectives as co-editor is to position the journal in prestigious academic databases, such as Scopus and Web of Science. This ambitious plan seeks not only to raise the publication’s status, but also to broaden its scope and attract a greater number of international contributors.
“We will also work to ensure that this sphere of influence continues to grow,” says the philosopher, who is committed to ensuring that REK remains a benchmark in Kantian studies.
Dr. Charpenel also plans to continue encouraging the participation of scholars from other parts of the world in the Journal of Kantian Studies, with the aim of building more bridges between Ibero-American specialists and the international Kantian community. This will undoubtedly contribute to enriching the debates and perspectives published, thereby strengthening their global reach.
Learn more about the Journal of Kantian Studies at: https://turia.uv.es//index.php/REK
