Universität Wien

030067 KU Basic Questions of Legal Philosophy and Legal Ethics (2026S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 11.03. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 25.03. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 15.04. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 22.04. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 13.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 20.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 27.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Wednesday 03.06. 09:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course offers an introduction to legal philosophy. Against the backdrop of exploring what law is, the course investigates how law and the state can be legitimized. Forms and basic principles of law are explored, as are questions of legal validity and the role that civil disobedience can play in a functioning state governed by the rule of law. Particular attention is paid to the tension between law and justice. Finally, the course deals with justifying the universality of human rights and with current challenges, not least the question of whether and to what extent fundamental rights can be legitimately restricted in order to guarantee safety.

Assessment and permitted materials

Moderation of discussion, active participation, written exam (in attendance).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Short input on a freely chosen course topic.
Examination (in person): concise response to questions, ability to look at and discuss them from different perspectives.
Multiple choice test (optional – to improve your grade): You can earn one point for each question. You will receive this point if you have marked all the correct answers. There are therefore no partial points for partially correct answers. There are four possible answers for each question, at least one of which is correct. However, two, three or all of the possible answers may be correct.
Submission of up to 5 songs with a short explanation for the Spotify song list: One point is awarded for each song.

Assessment criteria:
You can earn up to 20 points in the exam and up to 10 points for leading the discussion. You can also earn extra points by sending in songs or completing the MC test.
Grading scale: 15 points or above: Pass; 18 points or above: Satisfactory; 22 points or above: Good; 26 points or above: Very good.

Examination topics

Basis of the course is Elisabeth Holzleithner/Anne Kühler, Rechtsphilosophie. Eine Einführung, Wien: Manz Publishing House 2025.

Reading list

Elisabeth Holzleithner/Anne Kühler, Rechtsphilosophie. Eine Einführung, Wien: Manz Publishing House 2025
Further reading will be made available via moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 11.03.2026 07:45