An author whose hit book about teaching in a prison became an acclaimed TV series will be coming to the University of Winchester to speak as part of British Philosophy Fortnight (16-29 March).
Andy West’s The Life Inside: A Memoir of Prison, Family and Learning to be Free which was adapted into a major six-part BBC primetime drama series, Waiting for the Out has helped bring Philosophy out of the lecture hall to a wider audience.
His work bridges the gap between academic philosophy and the lived experiences of people in the criminal justice system, highlighting how philosophical thought can be practical and transformative.
Andy West author and philosopher
He is a senior specialist with the Philosophy Foundation and philosopher in residence at His Majesty’s Prison Pentonville His writing has been published in The Guardian, The TES and The Millions.
Andy’s talk on prisons, freedom and getting philosophy on the TV entitled The Life Inside: From Philosophy in Prison to BBC Drama takes place on 24 March.
Also visiting the university to speak during Philosophy Fortnight is Constantine Sandis, whose best-known work, The Things We Do and Why We Do Them, includes the controversial view that the reasons for which we act cannot in themselves explain why any action occurs.
His talk at Winchester, How to Understand Others (Without Mindreading), will look at the obstacles to understanding one another and how can we best overcome them?
Philosophy Fortnight speaker Constantine Sandis
Constantine is Director of Lex Academic, Research Associate at Uehiro Oxford Institute, Oxford, Distinguished Visiting Faculty at Fairfield University’s Patrick J. Waide Center for Applied Ethics, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire.
Lecturer of Philosophy and Theology at the University, Dr Beth Mackintosh, said she was thrilled to be organising this annual event and to be welcoming Andy and Constantine.
"I have had the great pleasure of working with Andy and Constantine previously and their research, books and public philosophy work are truly transformative," said Dr Mackintosh. "I can’t think of two thinkers better placed to stress the message of how and why philosophy matters and in the most engaging way possible!"
Andy West’s talk takes place on 24 March from 6 to 8pm in Room 001 of the St Alphege Building.
Constantine Sandis’ talk is in Room 203 at St Alphege on 17 March from 6pm to 8pm
To book a free place at either talk email elizabeth.mackintosh@winchester.ac.uk before 13 March.
Pictured top: Still from Waiting for the Out the BBC drama starring Josh Finnan based on Andy's West's memoir (Courtesy of BBC Studios/Sister Pictures/Sane Seven).
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