Tommie Shelby

Tommie Shelby, the Caldwell Titcombe Professor of African American Studies and Philosophy at Harvard, joins the discussion with his insights on prison abolition. He explores the moral dilemmas surrounding incarceration and the societal functions prisons serve, questioning their legitimacy. Shelby delves into the distinctions between reformist and abolitionist approaches, advocating for radical transformation in social justice. The conversation weaves together critiques of the criminal justice system, historical implications, and the impact of prisons on marginalized communities.

Philosopher and professor Tommie Shelby discusses the feasibility of abolishing prisons for a more just society, exploring historical roots, societal disparities in crime rates, and the debates between reform and abolition. They delve into international examples of humane prison systems and the practical steps needed to reshape American incarceration practices.