Course Catalog

Classical Liberalism and the Rule of Law This course will examine the indispensable role of the Rule of Law in free societies. We will first explore the the nature of free societies as described by classical-liberal theory, notably in the writings of Friedrich Hayek. We will also contrast free societies with authoritarian or collectivist ones, which rule by commands. We will then trace the development of the Rule of Law in Anglo-American history, from the earliest emergence of the common law to the ratification of the American Constitution. Finally, we will define the Rule of Law and contrast its operation with that of the modern administrative state.

• Type: Upper Class

Philosophical Approaches to Ethical Decision Making A moral philosophy course on the nature of ethical decision making, with some attention to applications in law and statecraft. Topics will include the leading theories of normative ethics; the Trolley Problem; the doctrine of double effect; the problem of "dirty hands"; the morality of abortion, self-defense, torture, and warfare; whether aiding others is ever morally obligatory; whether harming someone to help another is ever morally permissible; whether doing evil is worse than failing to avert it; and the challenges of acting ethically under conditions of factual and moral uncertainty. Class sessions will be conducted seminar-style, with mini-lectures and guided discussions.

• Type: Upper Class