PHIL 201 - Morality and Contemporary Law

(HUMD, GEIR, GEEL)

An examination of some social issues that seem to be of current interest from the legal/ethical viewpoint, e.g.: privacy, crime and punishment, civil and human rights, victimless crimes, police and court practice, sexual and medical practice, freedom and authority. An attempt will be made to view these contemporary problems in a historical perspective. The student is encouraged and expected to know facts, think logically, and develop an independent sense of critical judgment. PREREQUISITE(S): One course in philosophy, political science, or sociology, or consent of department. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101/ENGL 011. Three hours each week.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Examine controversial policies in law and public policy from moral perspectives.
Discuss normative, nonnormative, liberal, deontological, utilitarian, contract theory, communitarian, and virtue theory approaches to law and moral theory.
Present discussions on the ideas of law and morality, justice and law, rights and equality, power, and authority versus disobedience.
Critically evaluate truth claims pertaining to law and justice.
Explain the relationship between philosophy and the law.
Contrast relevant claims of American Jurisprudence and historical multicultural and multinational claims of jurisprudence.
Present coherent and informed arguments of American Jurisprudence.

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