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Philosophy Department

The concentration and minor in Philosophy and Law offer students a course of study that emphasizes the relevance of philosophical analysis of legal issues, and thus helps prepare one for the study of law.

The program will acquaint students with the rich tradition of philosophical argument dealing with the justification of law, its relation to moral theory, the justifications for punishment, and the concepts of justice, rights, liberty, and legal responsibility.

In addition, an education in philosophy in general, and these courses in particular, stress intellectual skills that are important in the study of law, above all logic, and critical thinking.

Program description

Minor in Philosophy and Law

Four required courses: (12 credits)

Phil 173: Logic and Critical Thinking or Phil 180: Logic and Law
Phil 301: Ancient Philosophy
Phil 303: Modern Philosophy
Phil 311: Philosophy of Law

Two courses chosen from: (6 credits)

Phil/Govt 323: Ancient Political Theory
Phil/Govt 324: Modern Political Theory
Phil/Govt 327: Contemporary Political Theory
Phil 442: International Ethics
Phil/Govt 448: Ethics and International Politics
Phil 428/Govt 428: Issues in Democratic Theory
Phil 470: Philosophical Examination of Social Issues in the Law or other courses with permission of the department

Concentration in Philosophy and Law

In addition to the requirements for the philosophy major and the university-wide general education requirement, students majoring in Philosophy with a concentration in Philosophy and Law must successfully complete 12 credits from the following:

Two required courses: (6 credits)

Phil 173: Logic and Critical Thinking or Phil 180: Logic and Law
Phil 311: Philosophy of Law

In addition, students in this concentration must take two courses from the following:

Two elective courses chosen from: (6 credits)

Phil/Gov. 323: Ancient Political Theory
Phil/Govt 324: Modern Political Theory
Phil/Govt 327: Contemporary Political Theory
Phil 442: International Ethics
Phil /Govt. 448: Ethics and International Politics
Phil 428/Govt 428: Issues in Democratic Theory
Phil 470: Philosophical Examination of Social Issues in the Law
or other courses with permission of the department