Philosophy of Law: A Very Short Introduction (2ed) (LIVE READING)

## About the event Host: Jen

As a licensed paralegal in Ontario that has studied the legal system and practices in the industry, I am interested in learning more to be a better legal professional.

Thank you for joining me on this learning journey.

## About the book – Philosophy of Law: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edition)

• A lively and accessible introduction to the social, moral, and cultural foundations of law
• Covers a broad scope of information spanning philosophy, law, politics, economics, and discusses a wide range of topics including women's rights, racism, and the environment
• Approaches the great debates and controversies with clarity by avoiding technical language
• Reveals the intriguing and challenging nature of legal philosophy

Abstract (Oxford site):
The concept of law lies at the heart of our social and political life. Legal philosophy, or jurisprudence, explores the notion of law and its role in society, illuminating its meaning and its relation to the universal questions of justice, rights, and morality. Philosophy of Law: A Very Short Introduction analyses the nature and purpose of the legal system, and the practice by courts, lawyers, and judges. Referring to significant works by Ronald Dworkin, Scott Shapiro, John Finnis, and Neil McCormick, it reveals the intriguing and challenging nature of legal philosophy with clarity and enthusiasm, providing an enlightening guide to the central questions of legal theory.

## List of Chapters (and meetup dates: covering 1 chapter per week for 7 weeks)

• 1 Natural law (FEB 11)
• 2 Legal positivism (FEB 18)
• 3 Dworkin: the moral integrity of law (FEB 25)
• 4 Rights and justice (MAR 3)
• 5 Law and society (MAR 17)
• 6 Critical legal theory (MAR 24)
• 7 Understanding law: a very short epilogue (MAR 31)

## Description

The concept of law lies at the heart of our social and political life, shaping the character of our community and underlying issues from racism and abortion to human rights and international war. Legal philosophy, or jurisprudence, explores the notion of law and its role in society, illuminating its meaning and its relation to the universal questions of justice, rights, and morality.

In this Very Short Introduction Raymond Wacks analyzes the nature and purpose of the legal system, and the practice by courts, lawyers, and judges. Wacks reveals the intriguing and challenging nature of legal philosophy with clarity and enthusiasm, providing an enlightening guide to the central questions of legal theory.

In this revised edition Wacks makes a number of updates including new material on legal realism, changes to the approach to the analysis of law and legal theory, and makes updates to historical and anthropological jurisprudence.

Raymond Wacks
Published: 27 February 2014
https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199687008.001.0001
Online ISBN: 9780191779664
Print ISBN: 9780199687008
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Keywords:
Ronald Dworkin, John Finnis, jurisprudence, justice, philosophy of law, legal positivism, legal theory, natural law, rights, society
Subject Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law Philosophy of Law History of Western Philosophy