PHIL 5650 Law and Interpretation
An exploration of philosophical theories of interpretation (e.g., Barthes, Gadamer, etc.), legal theories of interpretation, especially with respect to constitutionalism (e.g., Scalia, Dworkin, etc.), and selected American court cases.
Course overview
- Department
- Philosophy
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
- Offered
- Periodically in the Fall, Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed two Philosophy courses, including Core.
Requirements fulfilled
- Philosophy: Ethics and Value distribution (one course) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Philosophy: Free Philosophy electives (five courses, 15 credits); up to two approved cognate courses in other departments may also count (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.58 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.65 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Charles Fried | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 17 of 23 |
| Spring 2024 | Charles Fried | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 13 of 20 |