Criminology as a Moral Science

Abstract

This book proposes an explicit recognition of criminology as a moral science – that is, an empirically rigorous social science that takes full account of the presence and role of values in people’s reasoning and motivation. This endeavour requires input from both criminologists and moral philosophers, and careful dialogue between them, so the book contains chapters by scholars from both disciplines. Several social sciences – notably social anthropology – have in recent decades experienced a ‘moral turn’, leading them to focus research more fully and explicitly on ethical issues. Criminology is now experiencing a similar movement, and the central aim of this volume is to extend and enhance this welcome development. Theoretically, the book explicates inadequacies and implausible elements of social scientific positivism and suggests directions for a more illuminating conception of the role of valuative considerations in social science. It also clarifies key theoretical issues such as the so-called ‘fact-value distinction’. Empirically, analyses are offered of the moral dimensions of important criminological topics, as illustrations of a moral science approach. These analyses focus on whistleblowing in police services; the moral dilemmas faced by mothers of children whose fathers have been imprisoned; analyses of offenders’ shame and guilt; and ethical aspects of attempts to desist from crime. Studies in Penal Theory and Ethics: Volume 9