Research article

Prisoners' right to education: A philosophical survey

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Abstract

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares: 'Everyone has the right to education.' This implies that the right to education and training applies to all persons, including all persons in prison. This position is considered here from a philosophical point of view and it will receive some support. Yet it is not obvious that the position is correct, nor, if it is, how it is best explained. I will examine the basis for asserting a right to education on behalf of all prisoners, and consider what is required by way of its defence in the face of common objections. I illustrate how international conventions and principles express prisoners' right to education, and I look at how this right is defended by appeal to education as a means to an end and as a human right – required by respect for persons and their human dignity.

Keywords: PRISON EDUCATION, RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS, HUMAN DIGNITY, RESPECT FOR PERSONS

How to Cite:

Vorhaus, J., (2014) “Prisoners' right to education: A philosophical survey”, London Review of Education 12(2), 162–174. doi: https://doi.org/10.18546/LRE.12.2.02