The Philosophy of Law

New for 2024!

How are thinkers like Plato, Thomas Hobbes, and Jeremy Bentham relevant today? This research area explores the philosophy of law and the origins of fundamental legal concepts that we adhere to and live by today. Projects in this area can range from ancient conceptions of law to modern jurisprudence. The authors studied can include Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Jeremy Bentham, John Austin, Hans Kelsen, Lon Fuller, H. L. A. Hart, Ronald Dworkin, Joseph Raz, and Catharine A. MacKinnon, and themes include feminist jurisprudence, the law and economics movement, and critical legal studies.

Intended audience

Students in Philosophy, Law, Political Science.

Previous knowledge

No previous familiarity with Law or the Philosophy of Law is required.

Assessment

Dissertation (no more than 6,000 words): 100% of the total.

Research Topics

The potential research proposals you could pursue on the programme are listed below. The specific research focus of your project will be determined and confirmed with guidance from your supervisor. The exciting research topics in this research area are:

1. Law and punishment in ancient Greece
2. Early modern theories of legal obligation
3. Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and law
4. The origins of contract and the ‘law of obligations’
5. The Hart-Dworkin debate

Prefer to follow a research idea of your own?

Take a look at the Open Stream.