L1 / CH1 Flashcards
Describe criminology as an academic discipline
Criminology is an interdisciplinary academic field that studies crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system, drawing on sociology, psychology, and law to understand crime as a form of deviance
Describe criminology as a field of scientific knowledge
Criminology is an objective social science which involves development of theories on causes, formulating research hypothesis, collection of information, and applying findings through crime prevention strategies and criminal justice systems
Describe and define crime in very simple terms
Crime is an act or omission that violates criminal law and is punishable by the state.
What is deviant behavior? How can we detect deviant behavior?
Deviant behavior violates societal norms and expectations. It can be detected through observations of actions that differ from accepted standards
Describe the functions of deviant behavior
Deviant behavior helps clarify societal norms (boundaries of acceptable behaviour), promotes social change by challenging norms, strengthens social cohesion by uniting members against deviance, and reinforces social control mechanisms (punishment or rehabilitation to maintain social order).
Give several examples of crimes that cannot be defined as deviant behavior
Examples include speeding, tax evasion, and illegal downloading, as these crimes often do not violate societal norms to the same extent as others.
How criminological methods help archeologists to study violence in Stone Age?
Criminological methods, such as forensic analysis and examination of skeletal remains, help archaeologists identify patterns of violence and social dynamics in ancient societies.
What is critical thinking?
critical thinking is distinguishing between fact and opinion, considering multiple points of view, and being open-minded to all ideas
List and describe types of arguments
Logical arguments: Based on principles of logic and sound reasoning.
Factual arguments: Rely on empirical evidence and objective data.
Policy arguments: Advocate for specific actions or policies based on their potential outcomes.
Value arguments: Focus on ethical, moral, or cultural beliefs and principles.
Why is critical thinking so difficult to use? What are the main causes of those
difficulties?
Critical thinking is difficult due to evolutionary, psychological, ideological, and political factors that influence biases, emotional reasoning, and resistance to challenging established beliefs.
Why is critical thinking very important when studying criminology?
Critical thinking is crucial in criminology to objectively evaluate theories, evidence, and policies, and to avoid assumptions that can lead to incorrect conclusions about crime and criminal behavior. Critical thinking can directly impact criminal justice policy, and shape our society
What is academic freedom? What is the difference between academic freedom and
freedom of expression?
Academic freedom is essential for innovation and intellectual diversity, and allows scholars. educators, and students to research, teach, and discuss ideas without interference or censorship.
Freedom of expression is where individuals have the right to express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions without fear of censorship or punishment by the government (has reasonable limiations = not absolute, to balance it with other rights)
Academic freedom is specific to educational contexts, while freedom of expression applies to all forms of public discourse.
