Reference no: EM133414914
This first unit literature reading introduced you to the theories and roots of criminology.
- You were introduced to philosopher Jeremy Bentham and his idea (theory) of utilitarianism in the Required Unit Resources (Chapter 2). Analyze his idea that (1) a nation should do whatever is necessary to lead to the greatest possible happiness for the largest possible number of people in society and the idea that (2) man was a "calculating animal" who would balance pain and suffering versus gain when deciding to commit a criminal act. Do you agree with this? Argue your point using research to support your answer.
- How are ideas about the basic nature of all humans related to the way we determine criminal punishment? Argue the ideas using research to support your answer.
- Identify at least two major contributors to classical thought and their specific contributions to criminological theory. Then, support your responses using research.
- Describe, in your opinion, how a criminal personality is developed. No sources are required for this section.
- Assume class division in society causes crime. What is a viable alternative to this system? Analyze and argue both sides of your proposed solution. In your answer, you should identify five major theoretical approaches to identifying criminal causes of behavior and describe which would support your proposed solution.
- Finally, describe some of the characteristics that make up a good theory.