PHILOSOPHERS IN PRISON

Rob James, Wellington, New Zealand

Rob was presenting philosophy courses to students when an unexpected request came his way.  Now he discusses philosophy with people in prison across New Zealand.  How does it work?  How is it received in prison?  Read on for more about this excellent initiative.  Rob is one of the School’s alumni and remains a staunch friend of the School. 

Picture yourself walking alone into an isolated prison on a dark, wild and wintry evening.  Cold and wet in the driving rain, you glance nervously around at the harsh grey concrete walls, locked gates and high fences with barbed wire atop, all lit up with piercing spotlights.  

You are going to tutor a dozen large heavily tattooed men who have spent years in prison for their crimes.  And your philosophy topic for the evening?……… Beauty!!  

Unbidden your mind races, yet again you ask yourself, ‘What on earth am I doing here?’

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