NCJ Number
84070
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1982) Pages: 101-123
Date Published
1982
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This critique of Ehrlich's econometric study of the comparative deterrent effects of capital punishment focuses on two general aspects: his strategy in pursuit of research aims and replies to criticism and the ethics of the way in which he presents his results and reacts to criticism.
Abstract
Ehrlich's replies to his critics rest upon a philosophically controversial view of the nature of theory. Ehrlich views the key assumptions of his utility theory as an heuristic integrating assumption with general application; whereas, it can and should be viewed as specifying a possible mechanism which defines and explains only one possible category of human behavior. Ehrlich's strategy, particularly in drawing policy inferences, relies upon a predictive criterion for the adequacy of theory which cannot do the work demanded of it. Further, the manner in which Ehrlich presents his findings and replies to criticism renders his claims particularly susceptible to ideological misappropriation. If it is not true that Ehrlich deliberately subordinates the pursuit of knowledge to the service of a particular social control ideology, then he at least displays a naivete about the social context of his work which is equally dangerous. Thirty-three footnotes and 39 references are provided. (Author summary modified)