Biological Positivism

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

The Birth of Positivist Science 1800s, 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