39602 - Foundations of Legal Reasoning

Learning outcomes

Starting from an analysis of the notion of argumentation, students will be introduced (1) to the main forms of argumentation; (2) to a logical and theoretical framework for evaluating and constructing argumentations; and (3) to a variety of applications of such framework to legal argumentation.

Course contents

The course will be organized around four main themes (not to be necessarily treated in this order):

1) Law and logic

2) Argumenting and persuading

3) Reasoning by cases, reasoning by rules

34) Law and truth.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students:

1) Materials provided by the teacher.

2) G. CAROFIGLIO, L'arte del dubbio, Sellerio, Palermo 2007.

3) M. TARUFFO, La semplice verità: il giudice e la costruzione dei fatti, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2009.

4) G: ZAGREBELSKY, Il diritto mite, Einaudi, Torino 1992 (capp. VI, VII).

 

Non-attending students: 

1) A. COLIVA, E. LALUMERA, Pensare. Leggi ed errori del ragionamento, Carocci, Roma 2006.

2) G. CAROFIGLIO, L'arte del dubbio, Sellerio, Palermo 2007.

3) M. TARUFFO, La semplice verità: il giudice e la costruzione dei fatti, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2009.

4) G: ZAGREBELSKY, Il diritto mite, Einaudi, Torino 1992 (capp. VI, VII).

5) S. BERTEA, Certezza del diritto e argomentazione giuridica, Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2002 (capp. II e IV).

 

Teaching methods

Lectures will consiste in a presentation of a topic followed by an "open" discussion with the students.

Assessment methods

There will be an oral final exam that students can take stating from January 2011.

Teaching tools

Various aids aimed to stimulate students's interest and participation.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Artosi