Philosophical controversies regarding the essence of law are examined in depth in Philosophy of Law by Andrei Marmor. He presents a comprehensive analysis of current discussions about the nature of law, which has been at the center of legal philosophy for centuries. Even if it appears that what the law is is a matter of fact, this truth has normative significance: it instructs people on what they should do.
On the contrary, Marmor contends that the various difficulties presented by law’s factual and normative characteristics depend on the feasibility of reduction. That is, whether the legal sphere can be described in terms of something else, more fundamental.
In addition to examining the major themes in contemporary legal thinking, Philosophy of Law provides a critical examination of the individuals and ideas that have dominated the discipline over several centuries. Anyone interested in the nature of law will find it to be important reading.
