Philosophy (of a specific Discipline): Philosophy of Law voltijd

This specialisation focuses on law as an institution in modern societies. The programme is intended for students who are interested in the philosophical foundations and methodological aspects of law.

Part of this two-year programme will be taught at the Leiden Law School. The other parts of the programme, the courses in Philosophy and the specialist courses in Philosophy of Law, are characterised by a firm integration of historical and systematic approaches in philosophy and an emphasis on studying primary philosophical texts. This will make you familiar with both historical scholarship and current philosophical debate.

The specialist courses in Philosophy of Law can in some instances be adapted to your personal interests.
During the programme analytical questions will be covered, such as What defines certain rules as law and others not? Should we identify law as codified law or can we find law in other places as well? But normative questions will be studied as well, such as Are there limits to what the law can demand from us? Do we have a (moral) duty to obey the law?