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.

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

PHIL4064

None

2 Essays (2500 words each) - 100%

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.

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.

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