Biological Positivism Are Criminals Biologically Different from Noncriminals

Biological Positivism

Are Criminals Biologically Different from Non-criminals? • Classical School – No • Biological Perspective – Yes

The Birth of Positivist Science • 1800 s, optimism about science soars • Scientific method applied to humans

Early Biological Positivism • “With mankind some of the worst dispositions which occasionally without any assignable cause make their appearance in families, may perhaps be reversions to a savage state, from which we are not removed by many generations. ” – Darwin 1871, p. 137

Lombros’s Theory of Atavism • In 1876, observed physical differences between criminals and non-criminals • Conclusion:

Biological Positivism Today • Biosocial theories

Biochemical Theories • Criminal behavior is influenced by – Diet, hormones, environmental contaminants • Examples – Lead poisoning linked to aggression and low IQ – 1979 murder of Mayor Harvey Milk • Twinkie defense, diminished capacity manslaughter rather than 1 st deg murder

Biosocial Theory of Testosterone and Crime • Booth and Osgood (1993) – High testosterone leads young children to behave aggressively, which alienate others – This leads to fewer social bonds, which over time, increase crime • Conclusion

Ethical Concerns

Positivist Criminology Today • Positivism dominates academic criminology • Tenets of Positivism