Classic Audiobook Collection Crime, Its Cause and Treatment by Clarence Darrow ~ Full Audiobook [philosophy]
Nov 11, 2025
Clarence Darrow explores crime as a product of social conditions, challenging the notion of moral failings. He critiques the punitive legal system, arguing for rehabilitation over punishment. The discussion links poverty, environment, and heredity to criminal behavior, revealing deeper societal issues. Darrow highlights the instincts and emotions that drive crime, while advocating for treating criminals with compassion and scientific understanding. His insights urge a shift towards more humane, reformative measures in the face of complex social realities.
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Crime Is A Social Construct
- Crime is defined by law and shifts with customs, not an absolute moral category.
- The line between good and bad is fluid and rests on folkways and changing social habits.
Vengeance Underpins Punishment
- Punishment historically springs from vengeance and communal resentment.
- Legal and religious traditions preserved vengeance as the central justification for penalties.
Human Action Follows Natural Law
- Human behavior follows cause and effect like physical processes.
- Free will is questioned; heredity and environment shape action predictably.
