Philosophy of Law
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the fundamental philosophical-juridical concepts, to the main philosophical theories and to the state of the art of contemporary philosophical-juridical discussion, and to favor the acquisition of awareness of the philosophical dimension of many legal problems.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have learned the fundamental elements of the contemporary philosophical-juridical discussion; will have reached the ability to develop an appropriate philosophical-legal analysis of the issues; will be aware, thanks to the discussion in the classroom, of the need to use a rigorous language and an adequate ability for argumentation in the presentation of problems; will have aknowledged the need for a methodologically correct approach to the law.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Surname A-C
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Starting from a set of well-known questions posed by Hans Kelsen — what do Babylonian law and the law currently in force in the United States of America have in common? What do the social order of a tribe ruled by a despotic chief and the Constitution of the Swiss Confederation have in common? — the course introduces students to the fundamental problems of philosophy of law and general jurisprudence.
The course will examine the nature of law, its constitutive elements, and the criteria by which legal experience may be distinguished from other normative orders, such as morality, politics, religion, and social conventions. Particular attention will be devoted to key concepts in legal theory, including institution, norm, validity, efficacy, legal order, authority, sanction, obligation, and interpretation.
The course will also address the status of legal science and the question of method in the study of law, with reference to the distinction between description and evaluation, between "is" and "ought", and between the analysis of positive law and critical assessment of the law.
Through engagement with some of the main traditions in modern and contemporary philosophy of law — from natural law theory to legal positivism, from legal realism to institutionalist and constitutional theories — the course aims to provide students with the conceptual tools needed to understand law as a normative, institutional, and social phenomenon.
The course will examine the nature of law, its constitutive elements, and the criteria by which legal experience may be distinguished from other normative orders, such as morality, politics, religion, and social conventions. Particular attention will be devoted to key concepts in legal theory, including institution, norm, validity, efficacy, legal order, authority, sanction, obligation, and interpretation.
The course will also address the status of legal science and the question of method in the study of law, with reference to the distinction between description and evaluation, between "is" and "ought", and between the analysis of positive law and critical assessment of the law.
Through engagement with some of the main traditions in modern and contemporary philosophy of law — from natural law theory to legal positivism, from legal realism to institutionalist and constitutional theories — the course aims to provide students with the conceptual tools needed to understand law as a normative, institutional, and social phenomenon.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Changes in course must be authorized by both teachers involved, with a request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Changes in course must be authorized by both teachers involved, with a request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of lectures, guided analysis of classical and contemporary texts, discussion of theoretical issues, and examination of case studies . Particular attention will be paid to the argumentative reconstruction of the various theoretical positions and to the clarification of the conceptual vocabulary.
Teaching Resources
For attending students:
1. Hans Kelsen, Che cos'è la giustizia? Lezioni americane. Macerata, Quodlibet, 2021.
2. Paolo Di Lucia/Lorenzo Passerini Glazel, Hans Kelsen. Giustizia, diritto e realtà sociale. Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
3. Amedeo Giovanni Conte/Paolo Di Lucia/Luigi Ferrajoli/Mario Jori, Filosofia del diritto. Seconda edizione ampliata: Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2013. Following texts are mandatory: Introduzione to the volume (pp. 3-7); Giorgio Del Vecchio, La giustizia (pp. 61-78); Hans Kelsen, Dottrina pura del diritto (pp. 115-132); Gustav Radbruch, Ingiustizia legale e diritto sovralegale (pp. 159-175); Norberto Bobbio, Formalismo giuridico e formalismo etico (pp. 233-252); Eugen Ehrlich, Sociologia del diritto (pp. 51-60); Jerome N. Frank, Realismo giuridico (pp. 101-108); Alf Ross, Norme giuridiche e regole degli scacchi (pp. 265-280); Herbert Hart, Norme primarie, norme secondarie, norma di riconoscimento (pp. 329-343); Antonio Pigliaru, La vendetta barbaricina (pp. 321-328).
For non-attending students:
1. Paolo Di Lucia/Lorenzo Passerini Glazel, Hans Kelsen. Giustizia, diritto e realtà sociale. Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
2. Uberto Scarpelli, Strumenti per una filosofia del diritto, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2026.
3. Amedeo Giovanni Conte/Paolo Di Lucia/Luigi Ferrajoli/Mario Jori, Filosofia del diritto. Seconda edizione ampliata: Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2013. È obbligatorio lo studio della Introduzione al volume (pp. 3-7) e dei seguenti 9 saggi: Giorgio Del Vecchio, La giustizia (pp. 61-78); Hans Kelsen, Dottrina pura del diritto (pp. 115-132); Gustav Radbruch, Ingiustizia legale e diritto sovralegale (pp. 159-175); Norberto Bobbio, Formalismo giuridico e formalismo etico (pp. 233-252); Eugen Ehrlich, Sociologia del diritto (pp. 51-60); Jerome N. Frank, Realismo giuridico (pp. 101-108); Alf Ross, Norme giuridiche e regole degli scacchi (pp. 265-280); Herbert Hart, Norme primarie, norme secondarie, norma di riconoscimento (pp. 329-343); Antonio Pigliaru, La vendetta barbaricina (pp. 321-328).
1. Hans Kelsen, Che cos'è la giustizia? Lezioni americane. Macerata, Quodlibet, 2021.
2. Paolo Di Lucia/Lorenzo Passerini Glazel, Hans Kelsen. Giustizia, diritto e realtà sociale. Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
3. Amedeo Giovanni Conte/Paolo Di Lucia/Luigi Ferrajoli/Mario Jori, Filosofia del diritto. Seconda edizione ampliata: Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2013. Following texts are mandatory: Introduzione to the volume (pp. 3-7); Giorgio Del Vecchio, La giustizia (pp. 61-78); Hans Kelsen, Dottrina pura del diritto (pp. 115-132); Gustav Radbruch, Ingiustizia legale e diritto sovralegale (pp. 159-175); Norberto Bobbio, Formalismo giuridico e formalismo etico (pp. 233-252); Eugen Ehrlich, Sociologia del diritto (pp. 51-60); Jerome N. Frank, Realismo giuridico (pp. 101-108); Alf Ross, Norme giuridiche e regole degli scacchi (pp. 265-280); Herbert Hart, Norme primarie, norme secondarie, norma di riconoscimento (pp. 329-343); Antonio Pigliaru, La vendetta barbaricina (pp. 321-328).
For non-attending students:
1. Paolo Di Lucia/Lorenzo Passerini Glazel, Hans Kelsen. Giustizia, diritto e realtà sociale. Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2024.
2. Uberto Scarpelli, Strumenti per una filosofia del diritto, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2026.
3. Amedeo Giovanni Conte/Paolo Di Lucia/Luigi Ferrajoli/Mario Jori, Filosofia del diritto. Seconda edizione ampliata: Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2013. È obbligatorio lo studio della Introduzione al volume (pp. 3-7) e dei seguenti 9 saggi: Giorgio Del Vecchio, La giustizia (pp. 61-78); Hans Kelsen, Dottrina pura del diritto (pp. 115-132); Gustav Radbruch, Ingiustizia legale e diritto sovralegale (pp. 159-175); Norberto Bobbio, Formalismo giuridico e formalismo etico (pp. 233-252); Eugen Ehrlich, Sociologia del diritto (pp. 51-60); Jerome N. Frank, Realismo giuridico (pp. 101-108); Alf Ross, Norme giuridiche e regole degli scacchi (pp. 265-280); Herbert Hart, Norme primarie, norme secondarie, norma di riconoscimento (pp. 329-343); Antonio Pigliaru, La vendetta barbaricina (pp. 321-328).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will consist of an oral examination designed to assess knowledge of the topics covered in the course, understanding of the key texts, the ability to distinguish between different theoretical perspectives, and the appropriate use of philosophical and legal categories.
The following aspects will be assessed in particular: clarity of presentation, conceptual precision, argumentative ability, mastery of theoretical terminology, and the ability to link authors, issues and traditions of thought.
The following aspects will be assessed in particular: clarity of presentation, conceptual precision, argumentative ability, mastery of theoretical terminology, and the ability to link authors, issues and traditions of thought.
GIUR-17/A - Philosophy of Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor:
Di Lucia Paolo Umberto Maria
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Di Lucia Paolo Umberto MariaSurname D-L
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Legal philosophy as "meta-jurisprudence".
The concept of law vs. the conceptions of law.
Legal concepts.
Law and coercion.
The legal norm.
The legal interpretation.
Legal systems.
Legal rules and legal principles.
Justice and legality.
The relationship between law and morals.
The problems of legislation.
The concept of law vs. the conceptions of law.
Legal concepts.
Law and coercion.
The legal norm.
The legal interpretation.
Legal systems.
Legal rules and legal principles.
Justice and legality.
The relationship between law and morals.
The problems of legislation.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites.
Chair changes must be authorized by both teachers involved, upon request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Chair changes must be authorized by both teachers involved, upon request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Teaching methods
Lessons with the aid of PowerPoint presentations and frequent interaction and discussions with students (who will be invited to express their observations and argue for and against different positions).
Attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.
Attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
For attending students:
1. M. Ricciardi, A. Rossetti, V. Velluzzi (eds.), "Filosofia del diritto. Norme, concetti, argomenti", Carocci, 2015, ch. 4, 6, 7, 10, 11.
2. R. Guastini, "Filosofia del diritto positivo. Lezioni", ed. V. Velluzzi, Giappichelli, 2017, pp. 1-66, 93-172.
3. Didactic materials to be uploaded on the ariel website of the course.
For non-attending students:
1. R. Guastini, "Filosofia del diritto positivo. Lezioni", ed. V. Velluzzi, Giappichelli, 2017, escluse le pp. 269-283 (cap VI della parte III); pp. 287-306 (cap. I della parte IV).
2. A. Schiavello, V. Velluzzi (eds.), "Percorsi del positivismo giuridico. Hart, Kelsen, Ross, Scarpelli", Giappichelli, 2022.
Students from Scienze dei servizi giuridici:
R. Guastini, "Il diritto come linguaggio. Lezioni", II ed., Giappichelli, 2006 (except ch. VI and VII of the Third Part).
1. M. Ricciardi, A. Rossetti, V. Velluzzi (eds.), "Filosofia del diritto. Norme, concetti, argomenti", Carocci, 2015, ch. 4, 6, 7, 10, 11.
2. R. Guastini, "Filosofia del diritto positivo. Lezioni", ed. V. Velluzzi, Giappichelli, 2017, pp. 1-66, 93-172.
3. Didactic materials to be uploaded on the ariel website of the course.
For non-attending students:
1. R. Guastini, "Filosofia del diritto positivo. Lezioni", ed. V. Velluzzi, Giappichelli, 2017, escluse le pp. 269-283 (cap VI della parte III); pp. 287-306 (cap. I della parte IV).
2. A. Schiavello, V. Velluzzi (eds.), "Percorsi del positivismo giuridico. Hart, Kelsen, Ross, Scarpelli", Giappichelli, 2022.
Students from Scienze dei servizi giuridici:
R. Guastini, "Il diritto come linguaggio. Lezioni", II ed., Giappichelli, 2006 (except ch. VI and VII of the Third Part).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam, with notes on a scale of 30 plus possible cum laude.
The exam aims to verify the knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theories of the subject, the ability to organize this knowledge discursively, the ability to develop a critical reasoning on the contents of the subject, the command of the relevant contents and appropriate terminology.
The exam aims to verify the knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theories of the subject, the ability to organize this knowledge discursively, the ability to develop a critical reasoning on the contents of the subject, the command of the relevant contents and appropriate terminology.
GIUR-17/A - Philosophy of Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor:
Ferraro Francesco
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ferraro FrancescoSurname M-Q
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The teaching program provides for the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
The concept of law.
Conceptions of law.
Legal concepts.
Law and language.
Law and force.
The legal norm.
The concept of legal obligation
The legal interpretation.
Legal systems.
The relationship between law and morals.
The concept of law.
Conceptions of law.
Legal concepts.
Law and language.
Law and force.
The legal norm.
The concept of legal obligation
The legal interpretation.
Legal systems.
The relationship between law and morals.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites.
Chair changes must be authorized by both teachers involved, upon request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Chair changes must be authorized by both teachers involved, upon request to be made after the start of the course and within the first two weeks of the course.
Teaching methods
The teaching includes lectures with strong student involvement.
Attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.
Attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
1. HLA Hart, Il concetto di diritto, Torino, Einaudi, 2002 (except cap. X);
2. Didactic materials available on myariel (https://myariel.unimi.it/)
Not attending students:
1. R. Guastini, Filosofia del diritto positivo, Giappichelli, Torino, 2017, except: pp. 269-283 (chap. VI part III); pp. 287-306 (chap. I part IV).
2. A. Schiavello, V. Velluzzi (eds.), Percorsi del positivismo giuridico, Giappichelli, 2022.
Students from Scienze dei servizi giuridici:
R. Guastini, Il diritto come linguaggio, Giappichelli, Torino, II ed., except chapters VI and VII of the 3rd part.
1. HLA Hart, Il concetto di diritto, Torino, Einaudi, 2002 (except cap. X);
2. Didactic materials available on myariel (https://myariel.unimi.it/)
Not attending students:
1. R. Guastini, Filosofia del diritto positivo, Giappichelli, Torino, 2017, except: pp. 269-283 (chap. VI part III); pp. 287-306 (chap. I part IV).
2. A. Schiavello, V. Velluzzi (eds.), Percorsi del positivismo giuridico, Giappichelli, 2022.
Students from Scienze dei servizi giuridici:
R. Guastini, Il diritto come linguaggio, Giappichelli, Torino, II ed., except chapters VI and VII of the 3rd part.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam, with evaluation expressed in thirtieths plus possible praise.
For people who attend the course, it is possible to carry out one ongoing partial verification.
The exam aims to verify the knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theories of the subject, the ability to organize this knowledge discursively, the ability to develop a critical reasoning on the contents of the subject, the quality of the exposure and the lexicon used.
For people who attend the course, it is possible to carry out one ongoing partial verification.
The exam aims to verify the knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theories of the subject, the ability to organize this knowledge discursively, the ability to develop a critical reasoning on the contents of the subject, the quality of the exposure and the lexicon used.
GIUR-17/A - Philosophy of Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor:
Poggi Francesca
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Poggi FrancescaSurname R-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
GIUR-17/A - Philosophy of Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 63 hours
Professor:
Ricciardi Mario
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ricciardi Mario