Introducing the Aeon Philosophy Prize
An exciting opportunity for early career philosophers to publish their work in a world-class digital magazine
Aeon, an international magazine of ideas, is launching a philosophy prize to support and publish outstanding philosophical writing by new and emerging academics. Shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to be mentored by the philosopher and author Nigel Warburton and Aeon’s deputy editor Sam Dresser, learning how complex philosophical ideas can be communicated to a broad, curious readership. The winning essay will be published by Aeon magazine.
Why Aeon?
Aeon is widely recognised as a leading organ of public philosophy. For more than a decade, we have published essays by some of the most influential philosophers of our time, including Martha Nussbaum, Daniel Dennett, Galen Strawson and Edith Hall. Alongside these established voices, many writers published by Aeon early in their careers have since gone on to write acclaimed books and help shape public debate, among them Anil Seth, Philip Goff, Carissa Véliz and Emily Herring. In several cases, these books began as Aeon essays that were later commissioned by publishers.
The Aeon Philosophy Prize builds on Aeon’s commitment to identifying emerging voices and helping them learn how to write philosophy that reaches far beyond academia.
Why apply and who can enter?
If you care about philosophy as a living public practice and want to learn how to write with clarity and confidence for readers beyond your field, the Aeon Philosophy Prize offers an exceptional opportunity.
The prize is open internationally. Applicants must be PhD students/candidates, or have completed a PhD in philosophy within the past five years. There are no geographical restrictions.
What the prize offers
- Publication on Aeon magazine for a global audience in the millions.
- Intensive editorial mentoring from Aeon’s philosophy editors, Nigel Warburton and Sam Dresser.
- Rare, behind-the-scenes insight into Aeon’s editorial process, from pitch to publication.
- The opportunity to develop your skills in writing philosophy for a global, intelligent readership.
- Payment of Aeon’s standard essay fee on publication.
How to apply
Stage 1: Draft essay submission
Applicants should submit a draft essay of up to 3,000 words (max) on any philosophical topic.
Stage 2: Mentored essays
Five applicants will be shortlisted and invited to develop their ideas further. They will work closely with Aeon’s editors through feedback and mentoring. The winning essay will be published on Aeon.
Apply here via the Google application form, or email editorial@aeon.co if you require assistance with your application.
Key dates
- Draft Essay deadline: 15 April 2026 (midday, GMT)
- Shortlist announced: 4 May 2026
- Winner announced: 18 May 2026
Author endorsements
Aeon magazine is what readers and writers dream about. It offers deep ideas with a light touch and elegant style. It is wide in scope, without ever being shallow. And it offers stimulating issues, yet never seeking to be tantalising. Publishing at its best. I love it.
Luciano Floridi, professor of ethics at the University of Oxford
All writers hope for a framework through which their most passionately held ideas may be unleashed into the world. Aeon offers a rare opportunity for both the writer’s intellect and voice. Here grand concepts are embraced, historical perspectives encouraged and personal reflections welcomed. Plus you get editors who love to hone language until it sings.
Margaret Wertheim, science writer
Publishing with Aeon has been one of the most productive and rewarding writing experiences of my career. It brought a new level of exposure to my work, far beyond what I have achieved so far through academic publishing … As a result of my first publication in Aeon I have acquired a literary agent, and begun work on a trade book on the same subject; after the second, I received interest in the book from a front-ranked publisher.
David Farrier, senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh