Publishing with Purpose
Published
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205558Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressClick to order from North America, Canada and South America
Published
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205541Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressClick to order from North America, Canada and South America
Published
Jul 16, 2021Page count
264 pagesISBN
978-1529205589Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressClick to order from North America, Canada and South America
Philosophy Behind Bars
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.
“An engaging and insightful account of the meaning and effects of a philosophy course in two contrasting prisons. We learn about relationships, trust and what it means to live a good life. Read it!” Alison Liebling, University of Cambridge
“There is so much to learn from this important and fascinating book: Szifris provides us with countless examples of what a better way might look like. Everyone who wants to find hope of and resources for change in our penal system should read this book.” Fergus McNeill, University of Glasgow
“Weaving in philosophy, social science, pedagogy, and the wisdom of prison-based student philosophers, Szifris has produced the rarest of masterpieces in this engaging and fascinating work. The reader will go on a journey of discovery, identity and truth, along with the prison-based students.” Shadd Maruna, Queen’s University Belfast
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.
Introduction;
Theseus’s Ship Philosophy, Identity and the role of dialogue;
Plato’s republic Survival in the prison context;
Kant and Compassion Alternative prison environments: The role of behaviour;
Bentham, Mill and Utilitarianism Prison education and the hierarchy of good in rehabilitation;
Descartes and Cogito Ergo Sum The importance of self-reflection and growth in the prison environment;
Hume and Arendt The relevance of context to constructions of identity;
Socrates The good life, developing trust and community;
Identity, the Ego trick and the internal narrative;
The Stoics Survival vs growth – walking the tightrope;
Achieving philosophical conversation through Art, human rights and Free Speech: Positive, philosophical conversation;
Epilogue: What happened next;
A final word.
