This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides an introduction to some of the key issues in the philosophy of law. All of the ideas discussed are linked by focusing on the notion of 'right'. Students will be exposed to a variety of questions and issues, such as: ‘What is a right?’, ‘Are there such things as natural rights?’, ‘Is there any absolute right?’, ‘What is involved in saying that one has a right to free speech or a right to private property?’, ‘Who has a right and why?’, ’Do future people have rights?’, ‘Do we have a right against social deprivation?’ and ‘Do children have a right to be loved?’..
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Essay 1 (1,200 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (1,300 words) – 50%
Seminar Participation – 10%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
Reassessment Essay (2,500 words) – 100%
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate understanding of the difference between natural and political rights;
2 Demonstrate understanding of the two major normative accounts of rights (the interest theory vs the choice theory);
3 Demonstrate understanding of fundamental questions surrounding human rights (what are they, why do we have them, are they universal?);
4 Demonstrate understanding of various rights that people might be thought to have and debate whether people do in fact have them (e.g. the right against social deprivation or the right to free speech);
5 Demonstrate understanding of the notion of a rights-bearer and debate whether various types of possible rights-bearers do in fact have anything approaching a right (e.g. animals);
6 Demonstrate understanding of different critiques of rights (e.g. feminist and communitarian critiques of rights);
7 Apply this theoretical understanding to relevant case studies (e.g. rights of future generations, animal rights).
he intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 To develop their skills in critical analysis and argument in both their reading and listening to others;
2 To develop the ability to make complex philosophical ideas understandable in their writing;
3 To develop the ability to make complex philosophical ideas understandable in their public speaking;
4 To develop the ability to work autonomously and to take responsibility for their learning.
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