CRM 1300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Scientific Method, Extenuating Circumstances, Social Forces
9 Apr 2019
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Document Summary
Theories of crime inspired by religious beliefs and superstition. People related unusual phenomena of nature to evil spirits. Created belief that pathology in human behaviour due to evil spirits. Judeo-christian teachings on role evil spirits play in sinful behaviour. Evidence of guilt determined by trial of fire, ordeal, etc. To rid of spirits = severe and fatal methods. Religious and political elites wanted to silence rebellious ppl in times of social upheaval. Blaming social problems on devil and evil: Diverted attention from failings of elites and blamed possessed individuals. Put ppl in power indispensable bc only they could stop devil. Distinction between sin and crime = blurred. Rise to confluence of civil and religious authority. Half a million dead in 300 years. Accused mostly women, especially independent w/o male. Witch hunts reinforced power of social hierarchy. Change in thinking caused by scientific revolution. Focus on systematic doubt, empirical and sensory verification of ideas.
