SOCPSY 2D03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Demonology, Trepanning, Hedonism
Document Summary
Common theoretical debates: tension between theories that focus on process and theories that focus on structure, conflicting assumptions about human nature, different conceptions of the link between society and individual behaviour, degree of social consensus. Social policy and theory: theories lead to policies that focus on changing, the individual, local communities, society, the law, must consider the practical limitations. Pre-18th century: theories of crime inspired by religious beliefs and superstitions, belief in evil spirits and magic, people ascribed unusual natural phenomena to evil spirits, any pathology in human behaviour must be due to evil spirits. Devil: the distinction between sin and crime became blurred, those challenging the status quo were branded as heretics and subjected to extreme punishments, the inquisition, 12th century. The enlightenment: period of industrialization and urbanization, the age of scientific discovery (newton, galileo, enlightenment thinkers introduced revolutionary, concepts, fundamental human rights, the social contract, the natural law and equality under the law.