Rational Choice Theory as a Deterant to Crime Essay

Written Assignment 1 (Due October 1st ) Rational choice theories are among the fastest growing theories in social science today. Many sociologists and political scientists defend the claim that rational choice theory can provide the basis for a unified and comprehensive theory of social behavior. What distinguishes rational choice theory from other forms of theory is that it denies the existence of any kinds of action other than the purely rational and calculative. All social action can be seen as rationally motivated, as instrumental action, however much of it may appear to be irrational or non-rational. I believe that the Rational Choice Theory would be most beneficial in the reduction or control of crime. According to the Rational†¦show more content†¦People will engage in criminal and deviant activities if they do not fear apprehension and punishment. Norms, laws, and enforcement are to be designed and implemented to produce and maintain the image that negative and disruptive behaviors will receive attention a nd punishment. Although specific individuals become the object of enforcement activities, general deterrence theory focuses on reducing the probability of deviance in the general population. Examples of control activities reflecting the concerns of this concept include: Drunk-driving crackdowns, special gang-related crime task forces and police units, publication and highly visible notices of laws and policies. General deterrence strategies focus on future behaviors, preventing individuals from engaging in crime or deviant by impacting their rational decision making process. Specific deterrence focuses on punishing known deviants in order to prevent them from ever again violating the specific norms they have broken. Through the rational use of punishment as a negative sanction, problematic behavior can be cut down dramatically. Some examples are: shock sentencing, corporal punishment, mandatory arrests for certain behaviors. Specific deterrence strategies, focuses on punishing known deviants in order to prevent them from ever

Fate vs Free Will in Sophocles´ Oedipus Rex and...

Fate and free will are two topics that are often questionable because they go hand in hand. Fate is a belief that a certain event is said to happen, then that persons choice and free will lead them to what has been predicted as inevitable. Knowing whether something is fate’s fault or the fault of the person who’s going to enact the said action, is one question that has never been fully answered. In Sophocles Oedipus Rex and Shakespeares Macbeth, fate is determined by their own choices and free will, the character Macbeth knows of what lies ahead of him, making him alter the present to create his idealistic future, however instead he lives a life of ruins. As for Oedipus his entire actions are based on one prophecy he desperately†¦show more content†¦His lack of knowledge led him to his demise, because he possesses self-awareness, leads him to the action of free will which could have protected him from a defined fate. In â€Å"Oedipus,† Sophocles writes about a man who is hunted down by his cruel fate, and whose life is ruined in attempt to run away from it. The ancient Greek perspective reflects on the matter of the story and how the god’s highly influence the lives of humans. This viewpoint basically shows the unbounded power the Greek gods have; by being the gods of destiny, and leaving man at a helpless position. Fate plays a massive role in the lives of humans and as was believed by the ancient Greeks, their lives were simply directed by a decision of gods and goddesses. Oedipus knew his fate set by a curse cast on him; however, even when being aware it is impossible to escape fate, he still attempted to run away from it. As the play progresses Oedipus begins to understand the unbearable truth as he states â€Å"I’ve called down a dreadful curse upon myself,† followed by a response â€Å"I simply didn’t know!† (1103). It is the will of the man to rea lize what is inevitable and what choice is. In the Ancient Greece, Gods were praised and worshiped and any command stated by them is the undecided future. Oedipus acting as a blinded man who did not know of such fact led him to his fate and ironically is what later led him to blind himself (Gould). When Oedipus stabs his eyes out with the

Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Example

Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) Essay Name: Tutor: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Policy Ethics (W5.MJ) 2. According to Hugh Helco, to ‘think institutionally’ means, learning about an institution and having utter most respect for it. Instead of thinking about an institution, one should focus on thinking within it. This means that one personalizes the institution’s values within themselves, not only sharing the views and values of the institution, but also believing in them as their own. Completely assimilating the institutional values makes one work diligently because their selflessness creates a hard-working culture within individuals. They make conscious efforts to give their best in their duties because they have a sense of belonging and work with a high level of responsibility and awareness. Therefore, people are more likely to go out of their way to ensure that the objectives are effectively accomplished. For example, if the institution wants to cut down on the energy costs, one can be proactive and suggest using solar generators as opposed to only campaigning that the lights should be switched off when not in use. Good stewardship is fostered from thinking institutionally. Why is it difficult to think institutionally in this current era? In the wake of capitalism, what appeals the most to organizations is the idea of increasing their profit margins. These organizations are run by people who by nature always want more. Without proper morals and character within them, the selfish aspirations of personal gain become apparent. Whether for personal, social political or financial reasons, the selfishness to gain institutional benefits at the expense of others makes thinking institutionally extremely difficult. Embezzling of funds by a board member discourages those working for the betterment of the organization. Such ulterior motives by individuals cause increased levels of mistrust thereby making intuitional thinking pointless. Therefore, selfish motives, which consequently lead to mistrust, hinder people from thinking institutionally. 1. According to Terry Cooper, ‘high citizenship’ is a disciplined level of social structure that enables equal power sharing opportunities among its members. In such a case, there is absolute equality among peers and respect is given to ethical values and customs within the structure. High citizenship embraces the aspect of democracy, which means exercising the power vested in the leadership to better the society. It encompasses observing a set of rules and principles that follow ethical practices thereby governing the people. For this to happen, the citizens need to be fully aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities. Here, an element of legal awareness is effected. Legal awareness is providing the necessary set of rules and principles that will help society obey the expected ethical code of conduct. This provides a platform to which understanding the ethical values will help individuals carry out their obligations rightfully. Utilitarian techniques embrace the essence of majority rule. If majority of the people will benefit from the process, then it is adapted despite the repercussions it might have on the minority. Cost benefit analyses are an example of a utilitarian technique. The pros and cons of a process or situation are taken into account. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then the process is considered and amended to suit the majority. However, this method is not suited for our political heritage because it embraces the rule of the majority, therefore, sidelining the individual liberties of the minority group. Our political heritage respects the individual rights and liberties of everyone. Implementation of utilitarian techniques, though beneficial to the greater good, contrasts the political heritage that embodies the harmony of all individuals.