Philosophy of Law PHIL5106

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to the Philosophy of Law. In the first part, it focusses on major general theories of the nature of law. In the second part, it discusses one or two more specialised topics, the selection of which may vary from year to year.

Timetable

14 x 1hr lectures; 6 x 1hr seminars as scheduled on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Masters at College Level

Excluded Courses

PHIL4064

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

2 Essays (2500 words each) - 100%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Allow students to gain a thorough understanding of central theories about the nature of law.

■ Provide students with the opportunity to apply philosophical concepts and theories to philosophical issues raised by the law.

■ Encourage students to hone their analytical and critical skills, by considering and developing key arguments and positions in depth.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Formulate clearly, and explain in some detail, central philosophical theories of the nature of law.

■ Critically evaluate the merits of those theories.

■ Competently deploy a variety of concepts from other philosophical subdisciplines (e.g. metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of language, moral philosophy) in the analysis of philosophical questions raised by the law.

■ Articulate complex arguments perspicuously and rigorously, in written form.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.