Which school of thought looked for scientific proof that crime was caused by factors within the individual?

The Positivist school is centered on the belief that criminal behavior is caused by factors beyond an individual’s control, often rooted in biological, psychological, or social influences. This school of thought emphasizes the use of scientific methods and empirical data to identify and understand the underlying causes of crime. Positivists argue that by analyzing these factors, researchers and practitioners can uncover the root causes of criminal behavior and potentially mitigate or prevent it.

In contrast to other schools of thought, such as the Classical school, which focuses on the notion of free will and rational choice in committing crimes, the Positivist school seeks to explain crime through observable and measurable impacts on individuals. This focus on scientific proof and determinism sets the Positivist school apart, making it a crucial point of reference in the study of criminology.

The Critical school, meanwhile, examines the role of social structures and power dynamics in shaping behavior and societal responses to crime, while Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis. Both of these frameworks diverge from the Positivist school’s focus on intrinsic individual factors influencing criminal behavior.