Tommie Shelby
Tommie Shelby is a prominent American philosopher and professor at Harvard University, known for his work in African American philosophy, social and political philosophy, and the philosophy of race.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. To Shape A New World
Essays on the Political Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The book is a comprehensive collection of essays that delve into the political philosophy and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., examining his thoughts on justice, democracy, and civil rights. It brings together a diverse group of scholars who explore King's ideas in the context of contemporary social and political issues, highlighting his relevance to ongoing struggles for equality and justice. The essays address King's views on nonviolence, economic justice, and the moral dimensions of political action, offering a nuanced understanding of his vision for a more just and equitable world.
The 10081st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. The Idea Of Prison Abolition
A rigorous philosophical defense of abandoning the prison system as a primary response to crime, arguing that prisons are morally unjustified, racially and economically biased, and ineffective at promoting public safety or rehabilitation. The book combines normative theory with empirical critique to show how incarceration violates democratic and liberal commitments to equal liberty and human dignity, critiques incremental reforms as inadequate, and responds to common objections about accountability and deterrence. It outlines alternative institutions and policies—community-based care, restorative practices, social investment, and political struggle to reduce harms—that could better address wrongdoing while transforming the social conditions that produce crime.