Master 2025/2026

Philosophy of Law

Type: Elective course (Philosophical Studies)

Delivered by: School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies

Where: Faculty of Humanities

When: 1 year, 4 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Alexei Gloukhov

Language: English

Contact hours: 44

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This elective course explores fundamental philosophical issues pertaining to law and legality. Questions examined include: What is law? Is law inherently based on universal human nature, or is it arbitrary and artificial? In what ways are law, justice, and morality interconnected? What is the ultimate aim of law? We will engage with and critically evaluate seminal texts by influential thinkers such as Kant, Hegel, Bentham, Austin, Schmitt, Lukács, Benjamin, Hart, Fuller, Dworkin, and others.