Who is considered the founder of Positivist Biological Theories?

Cesare Lombroso is widely regarded as the founder of Positivist Biological Theories in criminology. His work laid the foundation for the idea that criminal behavior is influenced by biological factors. Lombroso proposed that physical characteristics could be linked to criminal tendencies, suggesting that certain individuals were "born criminals" with inherent traits that predisposed them to engage in criminal activity.

His approach marked a significant departure from earlier theories that emphasized moral or social factors and introduced a more scientific, empirical methodology to the study of crime. Lombroso’s insistence on observing and measuring physical traits in relation to criminality established a framework that influenced future research in criminology, despite later criticisms regarding the deterministic nature of his theories.

Other figures, while important in the field of criminology and psychology, focused on different aspects of behavior or moral philosophy rather than the biological determinism central to Lombroso's theories.