Philosophical Implications of Taxpayer Funding for Prison Education

Abstract

This paper attempts to address the question of whether it is fair to use US taxpayer dollars on prison education programs.  Through a philosophical inquiry from a pragmatist lens and a feminine ethic of care, issues of fairness are clarified.  Following the philosophical inquiry, a historical analysis provides some background on the issue of prison history and reform movements in America.  Finally, I conclude by briefly highlighting the main arguments in favor of funding prison education programs with US tax payer dollars.