Philosophy of Law

Undergraduate course

Course description

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student should have:

  • a general systematic, historically informed understanding of central concepts, principles, and main theory traditions within the philosophy of law
  • a general systematic, historically informed understanding of key questions within philosophy of law

Skills

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • demonstrate a general systematic understanding of central concepts, principles, and the two main theory traditions within the philosophy of law
  • demonstrate a general systematic understanding of the essential differences between the two main theory traditions
  • convey, in a systematic and structured manner, how the essential differences between the two main theory traditions are reflected in the theory conceptions of at least two paradigmatic authors
  • reflect on the relevance of the two main theory traditions, principles, and arguments for understanding today's political and legal debates

Competence

After completing the course, the student should have competence to:

  • find and identify central literature within the philosophy of law
  • convey knowledge of this literature and its perspective on current political and legal issues to both academic as well as public audiences
  • test the potential of central positions (principles and arguments) to solve relevant political and legal problems

The course provides the basis for further studies e.g., a bachelor's degree with specialization in philosophy. In combination with other subjects, it can be part of an education that qualifies for teaching philosophy in secondary school or higher education. The course can also be used as an aid to deepen basic questions in connection with the study of other subjects.