Description

In the first lecture on legal sources we discuss the quest for objectivity in legal research. In the second lecture we will discuss the standard model of scientific practice: the ‘empirical cycle’. We will inquire into the kind of research questions require empirical research methods and techniques. Most legal research is doctrinal research; in the third lecture we will examine how this practice compares to empirical research in the natural or social sciences. In lecture 4 we discuss methods of moral and political philosophy and in lecture 5 we inquire into the traditional method of the human sciences, both are also relevant for legal research. And so may so-called critical theory, which is popular both in the humanities and in the social and political sciences presently. In the last lecture we will discuss reflexivity as a peculiarity of both social and legal science in the context of the importance of scientific integrity.

Mode of instruction

This course consists of six or seven obligatory lectures and several assignments.

Start date and Registration

The course will be given from April until May 2026.

Please register here.
 

Contact

For questions about the course or deregistration please sent an email to promovendidecaan@law.leidenuniv.nl.