The Positive School of Criminology Three Lectures Given at the University of Naples, Italy on April 22, 23 and 24, 1901

by Enrico Ferri

"The Positive School of Criminology" by Enrico Ferri is a scientific publication likely written in the early 20th century. The text introduces the emerging field of positive criminology, emphasizing the need for a scientific understanding of criminality that goes beyond classical theories, which treated crime primarily as a moral failing. Ferri seeks to explore the sociological and psychological roots of crime, advocating for a fresh approach to the criminal justice system that considers environmental and biological influences on criminal behavior. The opening portion of the lectures reveals Ferri’s deep commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge about crime and its causes. He highlights a stark contrast between the successes of natural sciences in addressing health issues and the growing moral diseases represented by increasing crime rates. Ferri critiques the classical school of criminology for its narrow focus on legal definitions and moral guilt, positing instead that crime is shaped by a combination of anthropological, social, and environmental factors. He expresses the belief that addressing these underlying causes will lead to more humane and effective remedies for crime, ultimately transforming the penal system into one focused on social welfare rather than retribution. The lectures set the stage for a thorough exploration of how criminology can evolve into a discipline that seeks to understand and mitigate the roots of criminal behavior rather than simply punishing it.