Philosophy of Law
| Specialisation of: | Philosophy (of a Specific Discipline) |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Arts in Philosophy |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time, Part-time |
| Duration: | 2 years (full-time); 4 years (part-time) |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English and Dutch |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60823 |
Law is a peculiar institution in modern societies. It permeates all areas of life and guides our everyday interactions in all sorts of ways. But what is law actually? What makes certain rules law and others not? And what makes something into a rule anyway? Should we identify law as codified law or can we find law in other places as well? What is the proper method for finding law? What sorts of reasoning do legal practitioners use when they seek to apply the law to a case?
With effect from September 2012, students who complete this specialisation will be awarded an MA in Philosophy.
In addition to these analytical questions, there are the big normative questions about good law. What is the rule of law? Why is it so desirable? Are there limits as to what the law can demand from us? Do we have a (moral) duty to obey the law? What does justice require from the law? These and other questions come up in one form or other in the specialisation in Philosophy of Law.
