The concept of complexity in criminology: from classical interpretation to contemporary understanding

The article, taking into account the results of in-depth theoretical and empirical research, specifies the essence of complexity in the field of criminology. This issue deserves attention given the limited understanding of the concept of complexity in both legal and criminological science. The aim of the study is to determine the essence of complexity in criminology and to substantiate the necessity of expanding the epistemological horizons of this issue based on its external and internal systemic manifestations. The obtained results are based on the methodology of the dialectical method of scientific cognition, general scientific methodology of the systems approach, as well as the results of empirical research on this topic. The author’s perspective on the presented issues is formed through the theory of complex systems. Definitions of the terms “complex” and “complexity” are provided. The expansion of the epistemological boundaries of complexity and the complex approach became possible through the clarification of the structure of a special systemic formation in the form of the criminological system of Ukraine. It consists of several complexes (levels): criminological doctrine, criminological legislation, criminological policy, criminological worldview, criminology as an academic discipline, and criminological practice. Significant features of complexity—multi-element composition, coherence, and purpose of the complex—are highlighted. The article illustrates how these features manifest across all complexes of the criminological system. Considering several properties of complexity, its conceptual definition is formulated. It is argued that complexity should be understood both in its external-systemic and, primarily, internal-systemic sense. The external manifestation of complexity is observed in the intersystemic connections of the criminological system with other sciences of the criminal-legal cycle. The internal manifestation occurs in the completeness and content of the individual complexes that form the criminological system. Attention is drawn to the fact that the classical view of complexity, regarding its exclusively interdisciplinary nature, does not contribute to the dynamic development of criminological knowledge and the practice of preventing criminal offenses. The vector for further scientific exploration of the problem of complexity in criminology is outlined.

complexity; complex approach; systemness; systems approach; criminological system; crime