Describe the major principles of classical and neoclassical theories. During the 1700s, the classical and neoclassical theories of crime causation facilitated an evolution from early nonscientific...

Describe the major principles of classical and neoclassical theories.

During the 1700s, the classical and neoclassical theories of crime causation facilitated an evolution from early nonscientific theories to more modern scientific theories of crime causation. Herein, the choice to commit a crime was not seen as a result of evil spirits or magic, but rather as a rational choice by the offender. The pain versus pleasure principle was a popular philosophical truism of this era, reasoning that people seek to do what brings them pleasure and to avoid activities that cause pain.

1. Who were the founders of classical and neoclassical criminology?

2. Describe the basic hypothesis of the classical and neoclassical viewpoint.

3. What was the name of the principle upon which Cesare Beccaria based his theory of classical criminology?