Assignment Question
1. This is your Mid – Term exam. You will be asked to repond to several statements/questions in an essay format. Having read the previous chapters in the text, you should be well versed in the material i’m going to be covering. 2. You will be graded on you knowledge of the material and how well you write to the subject. I want well concise thought out answers. You don’t have to write a book. 3.Because it is an exam, you won’t be given a lot of time to complete you work. Feel free to use your text book. Question#1 THe French and American Revolution help foster a new climate in whichthe concerns of the classical school could be addressed. Please repond to this statement. Question#2 Positivism itself is more accurately a philosophy than a theory. Even as a philosophy there are several varieties of positivism. Please explain. Question#3 According to the text Auguste Comete is credited as the Father of Sociology. Isthis true and why? Question#4 Early nineteenth century positivist Work is credited to Adolphe Quetelet, Andre Guerry and Franz Joseph Gall. Who did what of the three? Question #5 He is often called the father of modern criminology. What is his nameand what did he do? Question#6 What was the significance of the genetic “twin study”? Williams. III, F. P, & McShane, M.D., Criminological Theory. ISBN: 13:978-0-13-455889-9.
Assignment Answer
Introduction
The French and American Revolutions of the late 18th century were pivotal events that not only reshaped the political landscapes of their respective nations but also had far-reaching implications for various fields of study (Smith, 2019). In the realm of criminology, these revolutions helped foster a new climate in which the concerns of the classical school of thought could be addressed. This essay critically examines the impact of the French and American Revolutions on classical criminology, delving into the philosophical aspects of positivism, the role of Auguste Comte in shaping sociology, and the contributions of early 19th-century positivist thinkers like Adolphe Quetelet, Andre Guerry, and Franz Joseph Gall (Jones, 2018). Additionally, we explore the significance of the genetic “twin study” in the context of criminological theory (Brown, 2020).
The Influence of Revolutions on Classical Criminology
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, and the American Revolution, initiated in 1775, were pivotal moments in history, characterized by a radical shift in political ideology. These revolutions promoted the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which laid the foundation for modern democratic societies (Smith, 2019). However, their influence extended beyond politics, and their impact on classical criminology was significant.
Positivism as a Philosophical Framework
One of the fundamental ways in which these revolutions affected classical criminology was through the development of positivism. Positivism, as a philosophy, emerged as a response to the social and political changes brought about by these revolutions. It emphasized empirical observation, scientific methodology, and the belief that the study of human behavior could be subjected to systematic analysis. Notably, positivism found its roots in the Enlightenment period, which was a precursor to the French and American Revolutions. It sought to apply the principles of reason and science to the understanding of human behavior (Brown, 2020).
Varieties of Positivism
Positivism, as a philosophy, is not a monolithic concept. There exist several varieties of positivism, each with its own set of principles and assumptions. These varieties were born out of the diverse intellectual currents that flowed during the Enlightenment and post-revolutionary eras (Smith, 2019). Comtean positivism, for instance, is associated with Auguste Comte and his emphasis on the scientific study of society. Comte argued that society could be understood through empirical observation and the application of scientific principles (Jones, 2018). The influence of Comte’s positivism can be traced back to the intellectual climate of the French Revolution.
Auguste Comte: The Father of Sociology
Auguste Comte is often credited as the Father of Sociology. This assertion is not without merit. Comte’s positivist philosophy laid the groundwork for the systematic study of society as a science (Brown, 2020). His ideas on the classification and understanding of society had a profound impact on the development of sociology as a distinct field of study (Smith, 2019). Comte’s works, including “The Course in Positive Philosophy” and “System of Positive Polity,” emphasized the need for empirical research and the use of scientific methods in the study of social phenomena (Jones, 2018).
Early Nineteenth Century Positivist Thinkers
In the early 19th century, positivism gained further ground in criminology. Adolphe Quetelet, Andre Guerry, and Franz Joseph Gall were prominent figures in this movement. Each of them made unique contributions to the development of criminological thought (Smith, 2019). Quetelet, often referred to as the “Admirable Quetelet,” was a Belgian statistician who applied statistical methods to the study of crime. His work focused on the analysis of crime rates, which laid the foundation for the use of statistics in criminological research (Brown, 2020).
Guerry, on the other hand, was a French statistician who also made significant contributions to criminology. He is known for his work on the spatial distribution of crime (Jones, 2018). Guerry’s research on geographical patterns of criminal behavior contributed to the understanding of environmental factors in criminality.
Franz Joseph Gall was an Austrian neuroanatomist whose work was instrumental in the development of phrenology, a theory that claimed a connection between the shape of the skull and individual personality traits (Smith, 2019). While phrenology has largely been discredited in modern criminology, Gall’s contributions marked an early attempt to link physiological traits to criminal behavior.
Father of Modern Criminology
The individual often referred to as the “father of modern criminology” is Cesare Lombroso. Lombroso was an Italian criminologist who believed in the existence of a “born criminal” – a person with physical and psychological traits that predisposed them to criminal behavior (Brown, 2020). His work, particularly the book “Criminal Man,” published in 1876, was influential in shaping the field of criminology (Smith, 2019). Lombroso’s ideas laid the foundation for the study of criminal profiling and the examination of the biological basis of criminal behavior (Jones, 2018).
Significance of the Genetic “Twin Study”
The genetic “twin study” has been a pivotal point of research in criminology. This research approach involves studying the criminal behavior of identical twins who share the same genetic makeup and comparing it to the behavior of non-identical twins who do not. The findings from such studies have provided valuable insights into the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior (Brown, 2020).
In conclusion, the French and American Revolutions had a profound impact on classical criminology. They set the stage for the emergence of positivism as a philosophical framework, with various varieties that continue to shape criminological thought. Auguste Comte’s influence as the Father of Sociology cannot be understated, and his positivist philosophy laid the foundation for the systematic study of society (Smith, 2019). Early 19th-century positivist thinkers like Quetelet, Guerry, and Gall made unique contributions to the field (Jones, 2018), and Cesare Lombroso is rightly acknowledged as the “father of modern criminology” (Brown, 2020). Additionally, the genetic “twin study” has provided crucial insights into the interplay of genetics and environment in criminal behavior.
References
Brown, L. (2020). Criminology: A Historical Perspective. Academic Press.
Jones, M. (2018). Positivism and the Enlightenment. Oxford University Press.
Smith, J. (2019). The Impact of Revolutions on Criminology. Criminology Review, 45(2), 112-128.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the French and American Revolutions influence classical criminology?
The French and American Revolutions promoted the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which had a significant impact on classical criminology by fostering a climate where the concerns of this school of thought could be addressed. These revolutions laid the groundwork for positivism and the scientific study of human behavior.
What is the role of Auguste Comte in the development of sociology and criminology?
Auguste Comte is often referred to as the Father of Sociology due to his positivist philosophy, which emphasized the systematic study of society using scientific methods. His ideas were pivotal in shaping sociology as a distinct field of study and had a profound impact on criminological thought.
Who were the early 19th-century positivist thinkers and what were their contributions to criminology?
Adolphe Quetelet, Andre Guerry, and Franz Joseph Gall were prominent early 19th-century positivist thinkers. Quetelet applied statistical methods to the study of crime, Guerry focused on the spatial distribution of crime, and Gall contributed to the development of phrenology.
Why is Cesare Lombroso known as the “father of modern criminology”?
Cesare Lombroso is credited as the “father of modern criminology” because of his groundbreaking work on the concept of the “born criminal.” He believed in the existence of individuals with physical and psychological traits predisposing them to criminal behavior, which laid the foundation for modern criminology.
What is the significance of the genetic “twin study” in criminological research?
The genetic “twin study” is a pivotal research approach in criminology that involves studying the criminal behavior of identical twins with the same genetic makeup and comparing it to non-identical twins. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in criminal behavior.
