Kenn Henri C.

Villegas

September 9, 2013

THE RELEVANCE OF PHILOSOPHY OF LAW TO MY LIFE

I only have a general knowledge in philosophy during my undergraduate years but I am
aware that philosophy is concerned with ethics, justice, the nature of the state, the best form of
government, and the relationship between moral and legal obligations. Some are concerned with
the nature of law itself. These philosophical matters often motivate the formulation and
application of laws. Knowledge of these matters are clearly relevant to the study of law in law
school.
When I was an undergraduate student, I had taken philosophy subjects and I learned to
read difficult and closely argued materials, extract and evaluate theories and arguments from the
materials, and formulate new theories and arguments. I also learned how to speak and write
clearly and precisely. All of these skills are valuable to the study of law.
As a law student, studying philosophy of law is very helpful to improve and deepen my
understanding of the law itself. Philosophy of law improves my decision making, that I will be
not impulsive and be firm with my standing. As Abraham Lincoln says:
The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of
government in the next. 1
I agree with this saying as it is evident in evolution of our legal systems.
Philosophy aids me to become more reasonable. In studying law and later practice it, I
have to make decisions and good choices. Being reasonable leads me to good argumentation
which is the backbone in practicing law. Learning philosophy of law gives me a better

understanding of formal and informal logic, interpreting philosophical arguments, and even
practicing philosophical debate. This will prepare me in the actual litigation, appear in court to
represent clients or give advices and recommendations to them. This is a basic trait that I need to
acquire in this said profession.
Learning philosophy of law helps me become moral. Morality is very important if I want
to become a good lawyer in the future because my decisions and influences can have powerful
impact on the lives of other people. As a future lawyer, given the privilege to practice law, it is
my job to follow the law in defending the cause of my clients.
Philosophy of law helps me understand the history of law, how it progresses and how I
can achieve the current status of our legal system, not only locally but globally, as well.
Philosophy is continuous, progressive and unending. As Bernhard Schlink, a German writer once
said:
What I really like about law is that it's not an endless discourse like history or
philosophy. In law, there comes a point where problems have to be solved, and cases
decided.2
Endless discourse in philosophy actually makes it progressive and adaptive to the current
sentiment of the nation. All these philosophies not only become part of our history but also
continue to grow and shape our lives.
Studying philosophy of law is actually enjoyable. One of the barriers why other people
do not give much importance in learning philosophy of law is because it has no direct use for
anything. Some law students and other lawyers do not appreciate the importance of philosophy
in their lawyering career. I realize that learning philosophy gives me a good kind of knowledge.

Acquiring the ideas, theories and principles of our great philosophers makes me smarter and
better thinker.
As a law student, I know what career path is ahead of me. One of the reasons why I
pursued law is that I want to have a versatile career option. I can be in the academe, corporate,
practice in courts or in my own private practice. One thing that I should avoid is deception. We
know that advertising agencies, propaganda, politicians and even religious cults are manipulative
and deceiving and often they are successful at it. Philosophy of law helps me identify such
deception and avoid it and fight against it.
In conclusion, philosophy of law is very important in my life as an ordinary citizen, as a
law student and as a future lawyer. Philosophy of law gives me a deeper understanding of law
and its nature. Lawyering will become my future profession and I am thoughtful of learning it.
The ideas of great philosophers and their contribution in history, global legal system, education,
industrialization and up to the development and advancement of our technologies are treasures
we have to cherish. Becoming a lawyer will bind with many responsibilities, including
reasonableness and morality in my undertakings and actions. A lawyer can save millions of lives
with just one significant idea. I actually enjoy learning moral theories, reading moral philosophy
and write my own philosophical arguments involving a particular problem, and debate moral
issues with philosophical guidance. As a future lawyer, I will be inclined to service and practice
it with moral guidance.
Endnotes:
1. "Abraham Lincoln." BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2013. 9 September 2013.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/abrahamlin133687.html

2.

"Bernhard Schlink." BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2013. 9 September 2013.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/bernhardsc522242.html