Portraits in Time

The Skull That Changed Crime: Lombroso's Shocking Theory


Listen Later

Join our AI hosts as they unravel the fascinating and controversial world of Cesare Lombroso, the "father of criminology." Discover how a single skull examination in 1870 led to a revolutionary theory that criminals are born, not made. From tattoos to bicycles, explore Lombroso's unexpected methods of studying crime in a rapidly changing world. Learn how his work, though flawed, laid the groundwork for modern criminology and challenged scientific norms. Dive into the paradox of progress, the standardization of time, and Lombroso's surprising journey from skull measurements to séances. This captivating look at a misunderstood genius will make you question everything you thought you knew about crime and human nature.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3814446/
https://faculty.uml.edu/jbyrne/44.521/documents/Lombroso.pdf
https://www.adir.unifi.it/rivista/2010/acri/cap2.htm
https://iris.unica.it/retrieve/e2f56ed9-d2ba-3eaf-e053-3a05fe0a5d97/tesi%20di%20dottorato_Pier%20Nicola%20Granella.pdf

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Portraits in TimeBy John Moore