Dr Szifris is a criminologist/sociologist at Manchester Metropolitan University, who before coming to MMU studied for four years at the University of Sheffield, to gain her Master's Degree in Mathematics before going on to complete her PhD. Her doctoral research was entitled 'Philosophy in Prison: An Exploration of Personal Development' and takes an exploratory approach to data collection. Kirstine's interests lie in the prison system with a particular interest in how education works in that setting, thinking about questions such as; How does trust develop in incarcerated settings? What can education do for desistance? What does this do for prisoners well-being? 

In this episode, we explore Kirstine's exciting new book, 'Philosophy Behind Bars' which contains illuminating insights from an innovative programme that took place in two prisons in the UK. Learn about the role of philosophy in this most extreme of environments. Kirstine explains the difficulties of working in such repressive environments, the challenges in working with this complex population, the insights gained from it, the surprises, what philosophy has to say for human identity and growth when you find yourself inside carceral spaces, and why exploration through philosophical dialogue can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal change. We also hear from the prisoners own reflections on the programme, through fascinating exerts and the researcher's candid field notes. 

For anyone interested in ordering a copy you can get your copy here:

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/philosophy-behind-bars

More information about Kirstine and her interesting work can be found here:

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=2584