Minor in Philosophy and Law
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
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.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
|
or GOVT 323
|
Classical Western Political Theory | |
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
|
or GOVT 324
|
Modern Western Political Theory | |
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
|
or GOVT 327
|
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 | |
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One elective course may be chosen from other coursework in philosophy with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.