Sociology 2259 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Philosophes, Jeremy Bentham, Limited Government
22 Dec 2020
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Document Summary
From supernatural beliefs about deviance to the notion of deviance as a rational calculation (the deviant is a rational actor) Deviance: behavior that eroded the greater good of society. Torture was futile (not a means for salvation) Deterrence was emerging as the new way to control deviance. Rational, hedonistic actor with free will perception of opportunity assessment of probability risk decision to conform or offend. Goal of society: the greatest good for the greatest number. Change in thinking was spurred by several factors. Law & punishment were arbitrary, unpredictable, torturous, etc. Life was chaotic, social order was out of control. Faith was in reason rather than church. They believed in god as the creator of the universe but rejected church rituals & the authority of the clergy. Their philosophy was the greatest happiness for the greatest number. The most brilliant & influential of the philosophies. Fought for tolerance, reason, limited government & free speech.
