Submissions should be approximately 200-500 words long, typically spanning just a few paragraphs and a maximum of one page (don't feel the need to fill the whole page). ​

1. We suggest this length because these flash philosophy pieces are meant to be bite-sized conversation starters rather than fully fleshed-out theories or lengthy treatises. Please be aware that as a conversation starter, some people will almost certainly have critiques of any philosophical idea. We welcome discussion (through the comments section), though we assure you that any personal attacks will not be tolerated. 

2. This is a loose limit, but if you would like to submit a significantly shorter or longer piece, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to consider your request.​

We believe the best writing is concise and easily understandable.

1. Writing in the first person is accepted and encouraged, while unnecessarily stilted, dated, or complicated language is discouraged.

2. Feel free to use modern examples, but stay away from excessive and unnecessary slang or vulgarity.

Suggested Structure

1. Very quickly and briefly introduce your topic. Say what question or issue you will be tackling and your thesis statement (what single point you're trying to convince the reader of). 

2. Explain your argument in a logical manner. Give reasons for all of your statements and conclusions, and never assume that the reader will just immediately believe what you say. 

3. Try to include at least one strong counterargument and respond to it.

4. Conclude by clearly, concisely, and strongly coming back to the main premises and final conclusion of your argument.  

Submissions must not under any circumstances contain plagiarism and use of AI must be disclosed, ethically backed, and clearly cited. ​

1. ​Quotes or ideas directly taken from or found in another person's work must be properly cited. 

2. If you need help with in-text citation, simply do the best you can and make sure to include the links to all of your sources so that we can help make sure everything is cited properly. 

3. If you use AI in ANY WAY to assist with your work, include a note between your essay and your citation list explaining your use of AI and offering a philosophical argument for why this use is both acceptable and beneficial to your essay. When you use AI, cite it in accordance with these guidelines, provided by the APA: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/cite-generative-ai-references.

Additional guidelines

1. Each essay is reviewed by a real person, so if your essay is a bit out-of-the-box or there is anything that you think we should know about or that you think you need help with, feel free to include any personal notes or clarifications for the reviewer in the Notes section of the essay submission form. 

2. Do not attempt to submit essays through email. You may follow up and inquire about essays through email, but any essays sent through email will not be considered. Only essays submitted through the proper form will be reviewed for publication. 

3. You may send us any further questions through our Contact Us page.