This course provides a critical introduction to central issues in general jurisprudence, that is, the theory of law in general. Our overarching question is deceivingly simple: `What is law?' To attempt to answer this question, we will explore: the functions and types of laws; authority; legal rights and obligations; legal reasoning and argument; the connections between law and morality; among other topics. The aim of the course is to introduce you to thinking philosophically about the law and to methodological and normative questions concerning law; to provide you with knowledge of some of the most influential legal and political philosophies and their theses on law; to encourage and enable you to think about doctrinal legal questions from a philosophical perspective; and to help you develop legal reasoning skills by training you in constructing abstract, philosophical arguments. Our approach is philosophical, but no prior background or training in philosophy is necessary.
This course provides a critical introduction to central issues in general jurisprudence, that is, the theory of law in general. Our overarching question is deceivingly simple: `What is law?' To attempt to answer this question, we will explore: the functions and types of laws; authority; legal rights and obligations; legal reasoning and argument; the connections between law and morality; among other topics. The aim of the course is to introduce you to thinking philosophically about the law and to methodological and normative questions concerning law; to provide you with knowledge of some of the most influential legal and political philosophies and their theses on law; to encourage and enable you to think about doctrinal legal questions from a philosophical perspective; and to help you develop legal reasoning skills by training you in constructing abstract, philosophical arguments. Our approach is philosophical, but no prior background or training in philosophy is necessary.
