The Positive School of Criminology Three Lectures Given at the University of Naples, Italy on April 22, 23 and 24, 1901

"The Positive School of Criminology" by Enrico Ferri is a scientific exploration into the burgeoning field of criminology, advocating for a shift from traditional moralistic views of crime to a scientific understanding rooted in sociology and psychology. Ferri champions a new perspective, urging the audience to understand crime as a product of anthropological, social, and environmental influences, contrasting the achievements of natural sciences in health with the escalating issue of crime. He challenges classical criminology's emphasis on legal definitions and moral guilt, promoting a more compassionate, effective approach to criminal justice focused on addressing the underlying causes of crime, thereby transforming the penal system into an instrument of social welfare.