An Epistemological Perspective on the Legal System
Chapter from the book:
Gündüz,
Z.
(ed.)
2025.
Contemporary Philosophical Debates and Perspectives I.
Synopsis
The legal system is not merely a normative structure that regulates human life; it also constitutes a dynamic domain that provides a foundation for the production of knowledge. The origin, validity, and systematic coherence of the rules underlying law necessitate an epistemological inquiry. This study discusses the formation, verification, and legitimacy of legal knowledge within the broader context of philosophical knowledge. In this regard, drawing on the notion that logic is the science of thinking while epistemology is the science of knowing, it emphasizes the necessity of constructing legal knowledge on solid epistemic grounds. Moreover, it is argued that the fragmented nature of knowledge within legal systems leads to a lack of holistic comprehension, resulting in problems of justice and consistency. Therefore, the development of a legal epistemology is not merely a theoretical requirement but also a practical necessity. The study further contends that establishing epistemological dialogues between philosophers and jurists could pave the way for the emergence of an interdisciplinary legal thought.
