Minor in Philosophy and Law

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MINOR-PHIL-PHLW

This minor offers students a course of study that emphasizes the philosophical analysis of legal issues. It acquaints students with the rich tradition of philosophical argument dealing with the justification of law, its relation to moral theory, the justifications for punishment, and the concepts of justice, rights, liberty, and legal responsibility. In addition, an education in philosophy stresses intellectual skills that are important in the study of law.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 18

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses

PHIL 173 Logic and Critical Thinking 3
PHIL 311 Philosophy of Law 3
Select one course from the following: 3
History of Western Philosophy: Ancient  
History of Western Philosophy: Modern  
Total Credits 9

Electives

Select two courses from the following: 1 6
Classical Western Political Theory  
Classical Western Political Theory
Modern Western Political Theory  
Modern Western Political Theory
Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought  
Contemporary Western Political Theory  
Contemporary Western Political Theory
Philosophy after Auschwitz  
Theories of Justice  
Advanced Democratic Theory  
Select one course from the following: 3
Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core)  
Ethical Issues in Global Health  
Theories of Ethics  
Ethics and International Politics  
Total Credits 9
1

One elective course may be chosen from other coursework in philosophy with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.