BMET 22A43 - Moral and Legal Philosophy

This course explores the foundations of moral philosophy – and legal philosophy inasmuch as what's moral directs what's legal – in the Western philosophical tradition, and in contemporary philosophical thought. Whilst the emphasis of this class is on the tradition that arose from Ancient Greece – as refined and defined over the Scholastic, Renaissance, Enlightenment and Modern periods – its reach are questions and answers that are universal in priority and urgency, in breadth and depth. This course is divided into two sections. The first explores the philosophical roots and contemporary contours of moral (and to a lesser extent legal) reasoning as understood in the Western tradition. The second explores the moral objects of law and politics in our desires for a just society, beginning with the idea of liberalism and democracy, then with respect to the just society conceived by Rawls, and then with respect to the promises of Marxism, which all beg profound questions about our obligations to ourselves, to others and to Nature itself. In all, our concern is the hope of realizing modes of reasoning that may assist our capacity to understand the pull of morality, and hence a source of legitimacy and direction for law, policy and praxis; and as such, the hope of finding purpose and meaning, in our understanding of reality and the human condition.

Christopher PIRANIO

Atelier

English

Spring 2023-2024

COURSE EVALUATION Participation 15 pts Midterm examination 35 pts Research paper (4,500 words) 50 pts

This course encourages active participation of students based on readings that should be covered before class. Lectures will be informal, and searching, in exploring difficult questions of morality and law with a view toward producing substantial and original research papers. In this way, this course will prepare students for advanced study and research in law and philosophy, as well as for careers in international law, litigation and advocacy. But the primary object is to cultivate a capacity in students for critical thinking, writing and argumentation.