Philosophy, Law and Politics

Philosophy, Law, and Politics is an interdisciplinary jurisprudence course that draws on some of the best work from all three named disciplines and brings their analyses to bear on important foundational and practical problems. It is intended as a course ideally for those with some philosophy background and with interests in pursuing careers in academic law and philosophy. Some foundational questions that may be explored include but are not limited to: What are reasons and where do they come from? What is it to be rational and to make rational choices? What are hard choices and how should we understand value conflict in general? What are normative powers? Is there a feminist jurisprudence? What are the limits of democracy? Some applied questions that may be explored include but are not limited to: How should a judge or legislator decide among incommensurable values? How should a government regulate, if at all, speech and pornography? How should we understand consent in the context of sexual crimes? Topics covered from year to year may vary. Over the course of the year, students will be exposed to high level work within each of the disciplines of philosophy, law and politics. The aim of the course is to equip students with the ability to subject complex issues to rigorous theoretical scrutiny from a variety of perspectives.

 

The course will be cross-listed with the philosophy and politics departments, and BCL students taking the course will thus have the opportunity to engage with peers from these other disciplines during seminars. While the discussions will aim for a high level of philosophical complexity, no background in philosophy is required. Associated with the course is the Philosophy, Law, & Politics Colloquium, which features distinguished visiting speakers who present work-in-progress. A seminar for students enrolled in the course will be held in advance of each colloquium session to discuss the colloquium paper.

 

Assessment will occur at two separate points during the academic year via two extended essays, each of 3500 words. Students will have the first vacation period over which to write the first essay, which will be based on seminars offered during MT, and the second vacation period up through the 4th week of Trinity Term to write the second essay, which will be based on seminars offered during HT. Questions about the course may be directed to Ruth Chang or Kate Greasley.