What Would Plato Do?
December 4, 2006
Saint Anselm professors Elaine Rizzo and Edward McGushin were featured this morning on New Hampshire Public Radio’s call-in program, The Exchange. You can listen to the show through the NHPR Web site at www.nhpr.org/node/11916. Provided below is NHPR’s show description.
“Professors from Saint Anselm College are bringing the ancient Greek philosopher’s lessons to the Goffstown Women’s Prison. The goal: using philosophy to explain how we make choices. We’ll explore how Plato’s work can still apply to all areas of our lives, from politics to love. Laura Knoy’s guests are Edward McGushin, assistant professor of philosophy at Saint Anselm College, and Elaine Rizzo, professor of criminal justice and co-director of the Consortium of Justice and Society at Saint Anselm College.”
Using Ancient Greek Philosophy as means to criminal rehabilitation in American prisons? A very interesting idea. I don’t know if Plato would have agreed, but I would leave that up to the Professors to determine.
I agree that philosophy can be a source of guidance in all areas of our lives - it has been in mine for years. Since first introduced to “The Dialogues” during my freshman year at Saint Anselm College,” I been a great fan of Plato and Aristotle. “The Republic” is my favorite book.
I would love to see a similar program tried in schools as well. Perhaps Plato would have seen more value in this - children are the future of the state!