Introduction to Legal Philosophy

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

Thie aim of the course is to introduce main topics and schools of thought in legal philosophy. Starting with some conceptual background we move on to classical conceptions, followed by modern ideas in the field. The goal of the course is to provide students with the tools necessary for critical analysis of approaches to law and for identifying philosophical problems emerging in day-to-day analysis of legal regulations.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

None in terms of knowledge. General orientation in philosophy and/or social sciences would be advantageous. Very good command of English is required as the texts discussed may be written in a very advanced language.

Syllabus

Week 1: What is jurisprudence? Key concepts: legal norm, validity, legal methodology, philosophy of law, theory of law
Week 2-3: Justice in Plato and Aristotle
Week 4-5: The Nature of Natural Law (Aquinas)
Week 6-7: Hobbes, Locke - emergence of rights
Week 8-9: Law, Reason and Freedom: Kant, Hegel
Week 10: Pure Theory of Law
Week 11-12: Legal Positivisms from Austin to H.L.A. Hart
Week 13-14: Justice Theory: J. Rawls, R. Nozick

 

 

Reading list

Readings shall be supplied to students via e-mail on weekly basis according to the Syllabus