Janua Sophia
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JANUA SOPHIA
An Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy
The phrase "Janua Sophia" is a synthesis of the Latin janua meaning 'doorway or passage way' and the Greek sophia meaning 'wisdom'. So, literally, "Janua Sophia" means 'doorway wisdom'. This concept can be understood in two ways: the doorway to wisdom or the wisdom of the doorway. Both are relevant, but it is the wisdom of the doorway which is the focus of Janua Sophia. A doorway is the point of transition between two places: a balanced center which connects two realms.
The Roman god Janus, whose name is derived from janua, is the god of both beginnings and endings. Typically, Janus is depicted as dual-faced, in symbolism of looking simultaneously forward and backward. The major time of sacrifice to Janus was the first day of the new year, being the temporal expression of these qualities. From janua, the English language derived the name of the month January. Accordingly, the time of minor sacrifice to Janus was the first day of each month.
Traditionally, temples to Janus had a doorway facing the East and a doorway facing the West. It is thus the humble mission of Janua Sophia to be like a doorway in thought, connecting the East and the West.
Janua Sophia is published once yearly by the Philosophy Department at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and is dedicated to recognizing exemplary philosophical work at the undergraduate level. Essays submitted are blind refereed. There are at least two referees for each submission, in some cases including a graduate student or advanced undergraduate student.
Managing Editor: Corbin Fowler
Consulting Editor: Shannon Fera
Submission Information:
Essays should be typed and double-spaced, no more than 12 pages in length, and conform to MLA style. Citations should conform to MLA style as well. Submit your paper by email attachment, or send three (3) copies and a disk formatted for Microsoft Word containing the submitted essay. Submissions should be the original work of the author and may address any topic in Western or Eastern philosophy. Special consideration will be given to essays which deal with Eastern thought and the relationship between Eastern and Western thought.
The author's name should appear on a separate title page and nowhere else in the submitted essay. Also, include an abstract of the essay, 300 words maximum. Be sure to include your name and current mailing address in your cover letter if submitting by mail. Multiple submissions are permitted. Normally, the submission deadline for consideration in the next fall's issue of Janua Sophia is March 1 of the prior spring, but essays submitted after that deadline can still be considered for subsequent year's issues.
Submissions and inquiries should be sent to:
or
Janua Sophia
c/o Dr. Corbin Fowler
Philosophy Department
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
295 Meadville Street
Centennial Hall, 327
Edinboro, PA 16444
Inquiries may also be made by phone at:
814-732-1123
