ML: Public morals, Law and (Legal vs. Political) Constitutionalism WF-FI-212-WMCE25
The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive philosophical exploration of the fundamental concepts and normative assumptions underlying contemporary debates on human rights, democracy, and the constitutional legal order. The lectures will examine the intellectual and moral foundations of modern political communities, focusing on the relationship between law, ethics, and the legitimacy of political power. Students will be encouraged to reflect on how philosophical reasoning about justice, equality, and human dignity informs the creation, interpretation, and practice of constitutional norms.
The course investigates the evolution of human rights from their philosophical origins in natural law and moral theory to their institutional expression in modern legal systems. It explores how moral arguments about the right to life, personal freedom, and social responsibility are transformed into binding legal principles, and how these principles shape democratic governance and the rule of law. Special attention is given to the tensions between individual rights and the common good, the moral justification of state authority, and the limits of political and judicial power within constitutional democracies.
Through a philosophical lens, students will analyze democracy as both a moral ideal and a practical system of governance. The course discusses the ethical dilemmas arising from the coexistence of freedom and equality, the legitimacy of political authority, and the idea of the common good in a pluralistic society. It also examines the moral lessons drawn from the experience of totalitarian regimes and the process of restoring justice and legality in post-authoritarian contexts. Issues such as transitional justice, the legitimacy of coercion and law enforcement, and the ethical dimensions of defending democracy—including the morality of violence and war—are explored as part of a broader inquiry into the stability and vulnerability of democratic systems.
In its final stage, the course turns to contemporary challenges to liberal democracy, analyzing the philosophical and moral foundations that sustain democratic institutions in the face of authoritarian tendencies and social polarization. Students will reflect on the durability of democratic values, the ethical justification of constitutional limits, and the ongoing dialogue between law and politics in shaping the public order.
Combining theoretical reflection with the analysis of current political and moral controversies, the course equips participants with the conceptual tools to critically assess the philosophical underpinnings of modern constitutional democracy and human rights discourse. All classes will be conducted in English.
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Graduate… knows and understands / is able to / is prepared to:
- advanced terminology of a selected philosophical subdiscipline in English or another chosen foreign language.
- in a comprehensive and in-depth manner, the relationships between the main philosophical subdisciplines, as well as advanced philosophical terminology in Polish from the main philosophical subdisciplines.
- independently translate statements using philosophical terminology from Polish into English or another chosen foreign language.
- apply language skills in accordance with the requirements of the B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, in particular: communicate using various channels and communication techniques with specialists in one’s field and popularize knowledge in this field among non-specialists; write texts useful in academic work (e.g., abstract, summary, short article); prepare and deliver an oral presentation, presenting one’s view in the studied field of science and providing arguments for and against; lead and summarize a discussion, motivating participants to be active and responding to expressed opinions; inspire and organize the learning process of others.
- continuously improve one’s language skills and independently use available resources for this purpose.
Student…
- distinguishes key concepts characteristic of philosophy, public ethics, and constitutionalism'
- analyzes the relationships between philosophy of law, ethics, political philosophy, and constitutional theory, with particular emphasis on the distinction between the legal and political approaches to constitutionalism.
- translates statements and texts from Polish into English on issues of public morality and constitutionalism, maintaining terminological precision.
- uses English at the B2+ level in oral and written communication, preparing presentations and participating in debates on the role of law and morality within the constitutional order.
- develops their language competencies in the philosophy of law and constitutionalism, independently using available resources and tools for further learning.
Assessment criteria
Final Grade Composition:
1. Class attendance – 20 points
2. Participation in the written exam – 30 points
Maximum allowed absences: 3
Exam: Written exam – response to one of three proposed topics.
Final Grade Scale:
• 0–25 points – 2.0 (Fail)
• 26–30 points – 3.0 (Satisfactory)
• 31–35 points – 3.5 (Satisfactory Plus)
• 36–40 points – 4.0 (Good)
• 41–45 points – 4.5 (Good Plus)
• 46–50 points – 5.0 (Very Good)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: