PHIL 391. Philosophy of Law (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. An overview of philosophical questions arising from the analysis and evaluation of concepts and theories connected with law, including the nature of judicial reasoning and the relationship between law and society. Addresses major theories in normative jurisprudence, including legal formalism, legal realism, legal positivism, Natural Law theory, and/or critical legal studies with attention to their historical and contemporary social context(s). Questions may include: What is justice? What does it mean to be a responsible agent? Must we obey the law? What is the nature of judicial authority? Regular written assignments will be required. Students who have taken PHIL 390 will not receive credit for PHIL 391. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (WI)