Module PHL2061 for 2020/1
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL2061: Philosophy of Law
This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
We begin by examining the classic debate between legal positivists and natural law theorists, focussing on the work of figures such as H.L.A. Hart, Ronald Dworkin, Joseph Raz, John Finnis, and Lon Fuller.
Building on this, we survey the main theories of legal reasoning, judicial interpretation, and the evidential character of precedent, particularly in light of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s celebrated analysis of rule-following.
Finally, we investigate the enduring debate over the justification of state punishment, focussing on key retributivist, consequentialist, and abolitionist arguments.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 11 | Eleven one-hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 11 | Eleven one-hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Assigned readings associated with each tutorial |
| Guided Independent Study | 88 | Preparation of Assigned Essays |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
