LAWS 7760 Philosophy of Law

Philosophy of Law introduces students to some of the enduring questions that inspired the wonderment of legal thinkers throughout the ages. What is law? What is distinctive about it? How should we interpret the law? What is the relationship between law and morality? How does history, reason, or democracy influence the law? How to think well about the formal and substantive aspects of law? What is justice? When is law legitimate? What is a lawyer? What role do lawyers and their special way of thinking about the world play in society? The course addresses these questions by retrieving their formulation in some of the greatest contemporary works of jurisprudence. This an intellectually challenging course, but no previous exposure to jurisprudence, philosophy, or theory is assumed. Graded on final paper. May be taken for a pass or fail grade. Students and auditors from other departments and universities are welcome. No pre/co-requisites. 3 credits. Meets the Perspectives Requirement.