Published
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205558Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205541Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205589Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205589Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University Press
Philosophy Behind Bars
In the media
Policy Briefing: Philosophy Behind Bars
On our blog: PODCAST: Teaching philosophy in prisons makes it more than just survival
Long-term prisoners need to be given the space to reflect, and grow. This ground-breaking study found that engaging prisoners in philosophy education enabled them to think about some of the ‘big’ questions in life and as a result to see themselves and others differently.
Using the prisoners’ own words, Szifris shows the importance of this type of education for growth and development. She demonstrates how the philosophical dialogue led to a form of community which provided a space for self-reflection, pro-social interaction and communal exploration of ideas, which could have long-term positive consequences.
Kirstine Szifris is Senior Research Associate at the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, Manchester Metropolitan University. Before moving into academia, she worked as a teacher hosting philosophy clubs during lunchtimes and after school clubs. She has a PhD from Cambridge University which takes a humanistic approach in placing the prisoner’s voice at the heart of the research.
1. Philosophy, Identity and the ‘Ship of Theseus’
2. Towards Theory: People, Places and Voices
3. Survival, Plato and the Ideal Society
4. Kant, Bentham and the Question of Identity
5. ‘Why Do You Think That?’ Descartes, Hume and Knowledge
6. Not Just an Offender, But a Person
7. Trying to Find a Community of Philosophical Inquiry
8. Finding Trust and Developing Relationships
9. Personal Self-Exploration
10. Towards a Framework for Understanding Philosophy in Prison
11. Final Reflections
