Principles of Philosophy of Law

Abstract

This study examines the philosophy of law, emphasizing its significance, functions, and its connections with other branches of knowledge. Given that the philosophy of law forms an integral part of general philosophy, the researcher found it necessary to provide a brief overview of broader philosophical concepts. Conducting this research presented considerable challenges, largely due to the scarcity of sources and the general neglect of philosophy of law in academic curricula. Some critics — often unfairly — have dismissed philosophy, including the philosophy of law, as a collection of abstract ideas offering little relevance to the dynamic, science-driven society of the twentieth century. This study refutes such misconceptions, attributing them to the lack of attention devoted to teaching the philosophy of law. The research highlights the crucial role of the philosophy of law in guiding legislators to formulate legal rules that are responsive to societal needs. Laws that are disconnected from social realities and the expectations of individuals risk becoming mere ink on paper. Moreover, the philosophy of law serves an essential function in legal practice, emphasizing that legal texts are not merely sequences of words but reflections of deeper principles that must be fully understood. Thus, the philosophy of law contributes to the effective drafting, interpretation, application, and enforcement of legal norms