Philosophy for Prisoners
Sun Lee

12 March 2018

Can prisoners benefit from engaging in philosophical thinking?

研究助理克里斯汀·西弗里斯(Kirstine Szifris)花了六个月的时间向被关押在两所男性监狱的囚犯教授哲学。她声称，哲学课程可以减轻监狱暴力和普遍存在的苦役感。具体来说，她写道，哲学帮助囚犯质疑和拆除监狱环境灌输给他们的大男子主义身份。通过提出“什么是道德”、“社会应该如何组织”等哲学问题，使囚犯进行深刻的自我反思，从而更接近改造的理想。

If indeed philosophy classes can provide transformative experiences to prisoners, maybe we should consider having more of them as part of the ongoing conversation about prison reform.

Read more about Szifris' research here:http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/prisoners-research-criminal-justice-...

Also, check out "Philosophy Behind Bars," the episode we did with philosopher Jennifer Lackey, who teaches philosophy to prison inmates://www.f8r7.com/shows/philosophy-behind-bars

Comments(1)

Harold G. Neuman's picture

Harold G. Neuman

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 -- 11:57 AM

Szifris may have something

Szifris may have something here. I have wondered if there were any such efforts, past or present.The only caveat(s) may be: 1. this may not be for every prisoner---the truly bad guys are smart enough to play along and feign interest, if they perceive a good-behavior effect in the offing. 2. The really dense crooks who are strung out on violence and/or drugs are unlikely candidates because they are probably damaged beyond rehabilitation of any sort. 3. Some are simply not likely to get it at all. Still, I do not disparage new ideas out-of-hand: Douglas Hofstadter (spelling?) called this sort of outre thinking JOOTSING, 'jumping-out-of-the- space'. A bit akin to thinking outside the box, but going beyond how that is usually done. Ideas of this sort need our support---the old ways of rehab are woefully inadequate and have been for a long time. Indeed, the notion of criminal rehabilitation is as tired as our justice and prison systems are antiquated. So, jootsing? Go ahead...

Tags