Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to the Positivist School, which factor most significantly influenced Dahmer's criminal behavior?
According to the Positivist School, which factor most significantly influenced Dahmer's criminal behavior?
- Psychological abnormalities and impulsivity. (correct)
- Rational cost-benefit analysis before committing crimes.
- Complete awareness of the illegality of his actions and attempts to evade detection.
- Careful planning and premeditation in selecting victims.
Which aspect of Dahmer's crimes most strongly contradicts the Classical School of criminology?
Which aspect of Dahmer's crimes most strongly contradicts the Classical School of criminology?
- His attempts to manipulate police during questioning.
- His understanding that his actions were illegal.
- The impulsive nature of some of his killings. (correct)
- The consistent use of planning to avoid detection.
If Dahmer's temporal lobe dysfunction influenced his behavior, which tenet of the Positivist School would this support?
If Dahmer's temporal lobe dysfunction influenced his behavior, which tenet of the Positivist School would this support?
- Neurological factors can predispose individuals to criminal behavior. (correct)
- Individuals always act in their best interest to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
- Crimes are a result of free will and rational thought.
- Punishment should be swift, certain, and severe to deter crime.
Which of Dahmer's behaviors aligns with the concept of a 'paraphilic disorder'?
Which of Dahmer's behaviors aligns with the concept of a 'paraphilic disorder'?
How does Dahmer's case help illustrate the application of criminological theories to real-world scenarios?
How does Dahmer's case help illustrate the application of criminological theories to real-world scenarios?
Which of the following best describes a core tenet of the Classical School of criminology?
Which of the following best describes a core tenet of the Classical School of criminology?
How does the Positivist School of criminology contrast with the Classical School?
How does the Positivist School of criminology contrast with the Classical School?
Ted Bundy's actions, such as evading law enforcement and adapting his methods, most strongly support which perspective?
Ted Bundy's actions, such as evading law enforcement and adapting his methods, most strongly support which perspective?
In what way does Jeffrey Dahmer's case align more with the Positivist School than the Classical School?
In what way does Jeffrey Dahmer's case align more with the Positivist School than the Classical School?
If a criminologist supports the Positivist School, which approach to crime prevention would they likely favor?
If a criminologist supports the Positivist School, which approach to crime prevention would they likely favor?
Flashcards
Classical School of Criminology
Classical School of Criminology
Crime is a rational choice based on weighing costs and benefits; assumes free will.
Positivist School of Criminology
Positivist School of Criminology
Crime stems from biological, psychological, and social factors beyond individual control.
Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy
Serial killer known for calculated, premeditated crimes, evading law enforcement.
Jeffrey Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer
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Biological Predisposition to Crime
Biological Predisposition to Crime
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Positivist School
Positivist School
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Paraphilic Disorder
Paraphilic Disorder
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Necrophilia
Necrophilia
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Cannibalism
Cannibalism
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Classical School
Classical School
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Study Notes
- Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham founded the Classical School of criminology in the 18th century.
- The Classical School argues that crime is a rational choice based on a cost-benefit analysis.
- The Classical School assumes criminals have free will.
- According to the Classical School, crime occurs when the perceived rewards outweigh the possible punishments.
- Cesare Lombroso and other criminologists developed the Positivist School in the 19th century.
- The Positivist School focuses on external and internal factors that influence criminal behavior.
- Biological, psychological, and social conditions are examples of factors examined by the Positivist School.
- The Positivist School posits that some individuals are predisposed to crime due to factors beyond their control.
- Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer are case studies used to compare the Classical and Positivist schools.
- Criminological theories inform responses to crime through punishment/deterrence (Classical) or understanding/rehabilitation (Positivist).
Ted Bundy: A Case for the Classical School
- Ted Bundy was a serial killer who murdered at least 30 young women in the 1970s.
- Bundy lured victims by faking injury or need, indicating rational thought and premeditation.
- Bundy's crimes were premeditated and strategic.
- Bundy weighed risks, evaded law enforcement, and escaped from jail twice.
- Bundy adapted killing methods based on opportunity, demonstrating rational decision-making.
- Bundy was aware of consequences and took steps to avoid getting caught.
Counterpoint (Positivist Elements)
- Psychologists speculate that Bundy had antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy.
- Antisocial personality disorder/psychopathy may indicate a biological predisposition to crime.
- Bundy's methodical approach aligns more closely with the Classical School, despite psychological considerations.
Jeffrey Dahmer: A Case for the Positivist School
- Jeffrey Dahmer, the "Milwaukee Cannibal," murdered 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.
- Dahmer's crimes involved rape, dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism.
- Dahmer killed to satisfy a psychological need to control and "keep" his victims.
Why Dahmer Fits the Positivist School:
- Dahmer had a history of psychological disturbances.
- Dahmer suffered from paraphilic disorders.
- Paraphilic disorders are recurring or intense sexual arousal to atypical objects, places, situations, fantasies, behaviors, or individuals.
- Dahmer had fear of abandonment.
- Dahmer engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism, behaviors that indicate a profound psychological abnormality.
- Dahmer's crimes were sometimes impulsive, suggesting a lack of free will and rationality.
- Some researchers suggest Dahmer had possible neurological issues, including temporal lobe dysfunction.
- Temporal lobe dysfunction is associated with impulsivity and aggression.
Counterpoint (Classical Elements)
- Dahmer understood his actions were illegal.
- Dahmer took measures to avoid detection and tried to manipulate police.
- Dahmer's psychological compulsions were the dominant driving force.
- Dahmer's case is a stronger argument for the Positivist School due to psychological factors.
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Description
A comparison of the Classical and Positivist Schools of criminology is presented. The Classical School, founded by Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, views crime as a rational choice. The Positivist School, developed by Cesare Lombroso, focuses on factors influencing criminal behavior.
