Philosophy of Law - PHI00103H
- Department: Philosophy
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module summary
This module will introduce students to some key debates, positions and arguments in the philosophy of law.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
This module aims to:
1) introduce students to key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law;
2) enable students to develop their skills in critical analysis, argument, and communication.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should:
• understand some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law,
• be able to critically evaluate the arguments in support of those positions,
• be able to develop and clearly articulate their own positions and arguments.
Module content
This module will introduce students to some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of law. Topics considered will include some or all of the following: the nature of law; the debate between natural law theory and legal positivism; the nature of rights (Hohfeld’s analysis of rights); the choice and benefit theories of rights; human rights; justifications of human rights.
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The formative essay plan is due on Wednesday of Week 6 of the Spring Term. The length should not exceed two pages of A4 in 12 point type.
The summative essay is due by 12 noon on Monday Week 1 of the Summer Term.
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
- Oral feedback will be given on the essay plan within no more than two weeks of submission.
- Students will receive feedback on their summative work within four weeks of submission.
- Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and advice hours.
Indicative reading
The following list is indicative:
Alexy, R. The Argument from Injustice: A Reply to Legal Positivism (Oxford: OUP, 2002).
Bix, B. Jurisprudence: Theory and Context (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2012).
Finnis, J. Natural Law and Natural Rights (Oxford: OUP, 2011).
Fuller, L.L. The Morality of Law (New Haven: Yale, 1969).
Hart, H.L.A. The Concept of Law (Oxford: OUP, 2012).
Simmons, N.E. Central Issues in Jurisprudence (London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2010).