Our work in prisons
What if education wasn’t about passing tests but learning to think differently?
Philosophy plays a crucial role in shaping ethical leadership and social harmony.
It trains the mind to think critically, question dogma, and reflect deeply on life.
By cultivating virtues such as justice, compassion, humility, and responsibility, it prepares individuals to serve the common good. Philosophy can reduce ignorance, prejudice, and moral blindness and offers new experiences in areas of personal challenge.
Accessible philosophy, designed for everyone
Our prison programmes deliver a bold departure from conventional education. We are working hard to deliver philosophy that is responsive to prisoners needs and easily accessible to as many as possible.
The programmes open up deep questions about justice, freedom, identity, and truth, creating accessible gateways to philosophical thought, especially for those with low literacy levels or no formal education.
How we deliver our Prisons programmes
The Royal Institute has been delivering a programme of learning for prisoners in England for over 5 years. We work alongside specialist providers, including Philosophy in Prison, Andy West (author of The Life Inside, now the BBC drama Waiting for the Out), ex prisoners and experienced philosophers.
Our reach extends into women’s prisons, young offenders units, men’s high security, and category C prisons.
The difference we make
A Head of Education and Skills at a prison we work with commented that this course “would reduce recidivism” as it “opened participants’ minds to thinking in different ways”.
Almost all prisoners receiving a programme report “they don’t want the course to end”.
Support our prisons programme
It costs £51 to deliver just one single philosophy session to one prisoner. A ten-week course costs £510.
Please donate to support our prisons programme.
Any amount you can give will be gratefully received.
If you would like to support our work through volunteering, please get in touch by emailing support@royalinstitutephilosophy.org