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WEEK 4 (9/18 to 9/24): Classical Thought: Beccaria and Bentham

Crimonology: Week 4

Overview

This week we will delve into the contributions of Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, as well as the enduring relevance of their theories in modern criminology.

Classical criminology is a school of thought within criminology that emerged during the Enlightenment period in the 18th century. It laid the foundation for modern criminological theories by emphasizing rationality, free will, and the role of punishment in controlling criminal behavior. Two prominent figures associated with classical criminology are Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham.

Cesare Beccaria, an Italian philosopher and economist, is often considered the father of classical criminology. His most influential work, “On Crimes and Punishments” (1764), challenged the prevailing legal system of his time, which was characterized by arbitrary and severe punishments. Beccaria advocated for the reform of the legal system to ensure fairness and consistency in sentencing. He opposed torture and capital punishment and called for the abolition of these practices.

Jeremy Bentham, an English philosopher and jurist, was a contemporary of Beccaria and shared many of his ideas on criminal justice. Bentham’s most notable contribution to criminology is his concept of the “panopticon,” a prison design intended to maximize surveillance and deterrence. Bentham was a utilitarian philosopher, meaning he believed that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should guide policymaking. In the context of criminology, this translated to the idea that laws and punishments should serve the greater good by preventing crime and promoting social harmony.

The ideas of Beccaria and Bentham continue to influence contemporary criminology and criminal justice systems. Classical criminology, as articulated by Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, laid the groundwork for contemporary criminological thought and continues to shape our understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. Their focus on rationality, deterrence, and the reform of legal systems has enduring relevance in the study and practice of criminology today.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

  • Review the role of theory in criminology.
  • Explain the pleasure principle in understanding criminal behavior.
  • Identify the role of free will and rationality in explaining crime, according to the Classical Theory
  • Describe how Cesare Beccaria’s work influenced criminal justice systems throughout the world, and discuss the concepts and propositions recommended in his book.
  • Identify the connection between early criminological theories and crime policy.

Workflow

Reading

Chapter 10 in The Handbook of the History and Philosophy of Criminology, edited by Ruth Ann Triplett, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central.

https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bmcc/reader.action?docID=5144712&ppg=223

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