A careful study of Mill's utilitarianism in relation to his ideas of self-realization and of liberty. This workshop, which represents a fusion of the faculty law-philosophy group and the existing legal theory workshop, meets throughout the year, on alternate Mondays, for a total of sixteen meetings, mainly in the autumn and winter quarters. There is a theme running throughout the year, which is pursued through both philosophical and legal readings, with a range of visiting speakers and some sessions directed by local faculty. The theme in 2000-01 is global justice. Students pursue legal and philosophical readings on the topic, both historical and recent, and examine the significance of philosophical work on the topic for issues in constitutional law, criminal law, and other areas.
Students write short responses to each presentation, and a longer seminar paper.
This workshop may be taken for fulfillment of the Substantial Writing Requirement. Enrollment is limited to law students and philosophy Ph.D. students, and numbers are limited. Law students who wish to enroll should contact David Strauss, and philosophy students should contact Martha Nussbaum, by October 1. Other Courses Feminist Philosophy.