Shy Philosophers on The Law

Is Law a Set of Rules, a Moral Practice, or Both?
This week, let's discuss the nature of law. Should we think of the law as a system of rules laid down by governments and courts, enforced through power? Or is it, at its core, a moral practice—an attempt to embody justice, fairness, and integrity? Philosophers of the law have wrestled with these questions for centuries, leaving us to ask: what truly makes something “law”?

Let’s consider:

• What exactly is law—a command backed by force, a set of social rules, or an interpretive practice grounded in principles of justice?
• Can an unjust law still be considered valid law, or does injustice undermine its authority?
• When laws are unclear, do judges create new law—or are they uncovering moral principles already embedded in the system?
• Should we think of law as a coherent story that must be interpreted with integrity, or as a patchwork of separate rules and decisions?
• What role do individual rights play in defining the law? Are they “trumps” over majority rule, or just one interest among many in a legal system?

No homework required, but if you’d like to reflect ahead of time, you can listen to this discussion of Dworkin's influential theory of law as integrity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCDcvBTpubg

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Shy Philosopher Night Procedure and Code of Ethics:
1. Discussion Style
We aim for a cooperative flow, like passing a ball among teammates rather than engaging in back-and-forth debates. Please share the “ball” so everyone has a voice.
2. Brief Points (2-3 Minutes)
Keep points concise so we can hear a variety of perspectives. Occasional exceptions may come up naturally, but our goal is inclusivity.
3. No Crosstalk
Respect the speaker’s time without interjecting or questioning mid-speech. If you’d like to add something, simply raise your hand and the facilitator will guide the flow.
4. Avoid Ad Hominem Remarks
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Looking forward to seeing you there!