Philosophy Imprisoned: The Love of Wisdom in the Age of Mass Incarceration

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Western philosophys relationship with prisons stretches from Platos own incarceration to the modern era of mass incarceration. Philosophy Imprisoned: The Love of Wisdom in the Age of Mass Incarceration draws together a broad range of philosophical thinkers, from both inside and outside prison walls, in the United States and beyond, who draw on a variety of critical perspectives (including phenomenology, deconstruction, and feminist theory) and historical and contemporary figures in philosophy (including Kant, Hegel, Foucault, and Angela Davis) to think about prisons in this new historical era. All of these contributors have experiences within prison walls: some are or have been incarcerated, some have taught or are teaching in prisons, and all have been students of both philosophy and the carceral system. The powerful testimonials and theoretical arguments are appropriate reading not only for philosophers and prison theorists generally, but also for prison reformers and abolitionists.

Reviews

The essays were written by faculty, undergraduate philosophy majors, and graduate students who have taught or led discussions on philosophy in prison; the essays also represent the personal reflections of incarcerated men who have studied philosophy in prison. . . .The varied essays may be organized into the following groups: theoretical reflections on the contributions of certain philosophers (Hegel, Foucault, Kant, and Davis), proposals for reforming the system of mass incarceration in the US, reflections by imprisoned men, critiques of the extreme misogyny in mens prisons, and the role of philosophy in prison. Of all of the essays, the personal reflections concerning the impact of philosophy on the lives and experiences of incarcerated men were the most moving and powerful. Though the book considers the important transformative role of philosophy in prison, other studies point to the greater importance of college in prison programs in reducing recidivism rates. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. * CHOICE *
Philosophy Imprisoned is a unique and often startling reflection on the importance of philosophy and teaching philosophy in prisons. Incorporating essays from prisoners and professional philosophers, this volume shows what philosophy can do even in the direst of circumstances. -- Kelly Oliver, SUNY, Stony Brook
Sarah Tyson and Joshua M. Hall have compiled a diverse collection of writing by philosophers behind bars and beyond them. The book offers important insights into the meaning of thought and action in a world shaped by mass incarceration. By connecting the personal and the theoretical, these reflections on teaching and learning philosophy in prison affirm the importance of the examined life as apractice of freedom and of mutual transformation. -- Lisa Noelle Guenther, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University
Philosophy Imprisonedis a disturbing and moving collection of diverse philosophical engagements. Critical prison scholars and educators who teach across prison walls will find much common cause here, but also much to question their complacencies. Philosophers will find nothing less than a radical challenge to academic philosophy and a powerful endorsement of the power of philosophy to transform the world. -- Michael Hames-Garcia, University of Oregon

Author Bio

Sarah Tyson is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado, Denver. Joshua M. Hall is visiting assistant professor of philosophy at Samford University.