Question

Caesar Beccaria, in the 1700s, was one of the first scholars to develop a systematic understanding of why people commit crime. Beccaria helped to form the core of what today is referred to as ______________ criminology. a) Positivism b) Determinism c) Classical d) Marxism

Answer 1

Cesare Beccaria laid the foundation for what is today referred to as Classical Criminology, which posits that individuals make a rational choice to commit crimes considering the pros and cons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cesare Beccaria was a significant figure in the development of criminology during the 1700s. Beccaria's pragmatic and humane perspective towards crime and punishment subsequently gave rise to the Classical School of Criminology. The Classical School assumes that individuals have free will and commit crimes because they have reasoned in their minds that the benefits of their criminal act outweigh the potential penalties.

The philosophical perspectives on criminology have continued to evolve with other theories such as Positivism, Determinism, and a Marxist approach, all offering their explanations for criminal behavior. However, Beccaria's viewpoint falls squarely within the realm of the classical approach to understanding crime.

Learn more about Classical Criminology