Section 4.1: The Positivists – Learning Resources

Section 4.1 Overview

Section 4.1, “The Positivists,” examines the significant transformation in criminology introduced by the Positivist School, which moved away from perceiving crime as merely a moral failing towards a focus on scientific investigation and empirical evidence. Emerging in the late 19th century, Positivism marked a revolutionary approach by aiming to identify the biological, psychological, and sociological foundations of criminal behavior. Figures such as Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo were instrumental in this shift, promoting the scientific study of crime similar to methods used in the natural sciences. This section highlights how Positivism has influenced modern criminological thought and policy, advocating for crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies that are both effective and humane, grounded in empirical research.

Section Level Student Learning Outcomes

• SLO 1: Identify the shift from moralistic views of crime to empirical, scientific approaches introduced by Positivism.
• SLO 2: Describe the contributions of key figures like Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo to the Positivist School.
• SLO 3: Explain Positivism’s emphasis on biological, psychological, and sociological factors in crime.
• SLO 4: Recognize the impact of Positivism on modern criminological research and criminal justice policies.
• SLO 5: Evaluate the criticisms of Positivism, particularly concerning determinism and ethical considerations.

Modification History

File Created:  02/15/2024

Last Modified:  02/19/2024

[Contents]

This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.