How to Cite the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP) provides its own citation guidance on a dedicated "How to Cite the SEP" page, linked from the site's main navigation. Because SEP entries are living documents that authors revise over time, a proper citation should identify the specific version you consulted—typically through the entry's publication or revision date and, where available, its archival URL. The exact format depends on the style guide you are required to follow (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), so the practical approach is to combine SEP's own citation information with your target style's rules.
What SEP itself provides
The SEP site includes a "How to Cite the SEP" page under its "About" section, alongside "Editorial Information," "Editorial Board," and "Special Characters." This page is the authoritative starting point because it reflects how the editors want the encyclopedia referenced.
SEP also notes that entries are updated, and it maintains a chronological archive. That matters for citation: two readers citing "the same entry" in different years may be citing different text.
Core elements of a SEP citation
Most citation styles will need the same underlying pieces of information. You can gather them from the entry page itself:
| Element | Where to find it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Author(s) of the entry | Top of the entry page | SEP entries are signed by their authors |
| Entry title | Top of the entry page | Use the exact title |
| Encyclopedia name | Site-wide | "The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy" |
| Editor(s) | SEP masthead | Co-Principal Editors are listed on the site |
| Version / publication date | Entry page | Reflects when that version was published or revised |
| Publisher | Site footer | The Metaphysics Research Lab, Department of Philosophy, Stanford University |
| URL | Browser address bar | Prefer a stable or archived link if one is offered |
| Access date | Your own record | Often required for online sources |
The site footer also provides an ISSN (1095-5054), which some citation styles or library catalogs may want.
Why version and date matter
SEP is not a static book. Entries are revised, and the encyclopedia keeps a chronological archive and a "What's New" page. If you cite only the entry title and a generic URL, a reader who opens that URL later may find a different version than the one you used.
Practical steps:
- Note the version or revision date shown on the entry page.
- If you need to pin the exact text, check whether an archived version of that entry is available and cite that URL.
- Record your access date, especially for styles that require it for online sources.
Adapting to your required style
SEP does not replace your style manual. Use SEP's citation page for the encyclopedia-specific details, then format them according to your required style.
- APA-style: typically author, year, entry title, encyclopedia name, editor, publisher, URL.
- MLA-style: typically author, entry title, encyclopedia name, publisher, publication/revision date, URL.
- Chicago-style: typically author, entry title, encyclopedia name, editor, publication/revision date, URL.
Because SEP entries are authored and dated, they usually fit the "reference work" or "encyclopedia entry" category in these styles rather than the "website" category.
Common pitfalls
- Citing the whole encyclopedia instead of the entry. Cite the specific entry and its author.
- Omitting the version date. This is the most common error and the one SEP's own guidance is designed to prevent.
- Using a mirror site URL. SEP notes it has mirror sites; cite the main site or a stable archived link unless your instructor says otherwise.
- Assuming a fixed publication year. If the entry was revised, the year you cite should match the version you used.
Quick checklist
- [ ] Entry author(s)
- [ ] Exact entry title
- [ ] "The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy"
- [ ] Editor(s) if your style requires them
- [ ] Version / revision date
- [ ] Publisher (The Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University)
- [ ] Stable URL or archived URL
- [ ] Access date if required
For the definitive wording, consult the "How to Cite the SEP" page on plato.stanford.edu, then apply your style guide's format to those elements.