Welcome to Week 6!
Overview
Welcome to a week of exploration into the biological explanations for criminal behavior. This unit will delve deeply into the positivist theory, one of the critical approaches in understanding criminal actions from a biological standpoint. The positivist approach essentially involves the rigorous application of the scientific method to discern and diagnose pathologies and determine their appropriate treatments in relation to criminal behavior. This perspective has been significant in criminology, providing a framework for understanding the biological basis of criminality.
As we progress through the week, the unit will unfold a comprehensive discussion on various key biological theories related to criminal behavior. We will embark on a journey tracing the historical roots of biological explanations, elaborating on important figures who have made significant contributions to these theories. Early theorists laid down the foundation upon which contemporary theories are built, and understanding their work is crucial for a nuanced grasp of current perspectives.
Engage with the materials, participate actively in discussions, and keep an inquisitive mind as we navigate through the intricate world of biological explanations for criminal behavior in this unit. The knowledge and insight gained will undoubtedly contribute to a richer, more comprehensive perspective on criminology and the multifaceted nature of criminal behavior.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the week, you will be able to:
- Describe how positivists seek to uncover the basic causes of crime.
- Identify several early biological theories and the issues related to these theories.
- Identify the key assumptions, propositions, and weaknesses of Lombroso’s theory of atavism and the born criminal.
- Discuss the development of more recent biological theories.
- Identify the connection between biological and psychological theories and crime policy.
Workflow
Readings
*Chapter 3 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=78
Read the chapter here:
The_Handbook_of_the_History_and_Philosophy_of_Crim…_-_Part_I_Key_Ideas_Thinkers_and_Moments-6*Introduction. In The Nurture Versus Biosocial Debate in Criminology: On the Origins of Criminal Behavior and Criminality, edited by Kevin M. Beaver, et al., SAGE Publications, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bmcc/detail.action?docID=1680058.
Read the chapter here:
nature-vs-nurture