What Is Legal Positivism?

Explore the fundamental concepts of legal positivism and non-cognitivism in this 34-minute video lecture, delving into the theories of analytical jurisprudence and metaethics. Examine the works of influential thinkers Joseph Raz and HLA Hart as part of a broader Philosophy of Law course. Gain insights into key topics such as the Separation Thesis, Conceptual Analysis, and the nature of moral discourse. Understand how legal positivism posits that legal facts are ultimately dependent on social facts alone, while non-cognitivism argues that moral judgments lack truth values. Progress through a comprehensive syllabus covering the introduction to legal positivism, its core principles, and the philosophical implications of these theories in the realm of law and ethics.