The German philosopher Otfried Höffe has argued that the concept of “social justice” should be removed from political debates entirely. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”, he stated that this term and the related concepts have steered the country down a “dangerous” path and that people should forgo the expression altogether. He believes that the term is overly loaded with religious values such as “charity and love for humanity,” which has broadened the traditional concept of justice beyond merely ensuring what is owed.
In his book, a standard work on “Political Justice,” Höffe identifies the basic security benefits program (formerly Bürgergeld) as a “violation of justice.” He criticizes the system because recipients of state benefits are not obligated to contribute to the financing of the system through community work. He contends that taxes must be levied specifically on those who still earn their own income. In his view, having some people work while others do not contradicts the fundamental idea of treating all individuals equally.
Höffe also dismisses the widespread demand that those with greater capacity should carry heavier burdens, calling it unreasonable and unwise. He argued that those who are already “burdened” by progressive taxes should not be required to contribute even more. Furthermore, he warned that if wealthy individuals move abroad to pay their taxes elsewhere, it constitutes a severe blow to the common good.
Regarding retirement policy, Höffe advocated for significantly reducing the entitlements of the elderly. He suggested that if a person works for 30 years instead of the traditional 40 and then retires for 25 years, it is not unjustifiable to tell them they must retire later and should only be entitled to a pension commensurate with the level their children and grandchildren will receive. He reacted to the government’s plan to postpone “pension at 70” until 2090 by saying one could only shake their head. He characterized the burden on younger generations as “unreasonable and unjust,” and criticized governments for lacking the “courage” to state such positions.
Höffe also expressed reservations about targeted support programs for women. He argued that such programs, particularly in higher education, could lead to a disadvantage for men. “I do not consider that just because what our mothers and grandmothers endured cannot be rectified by preferring our daughters and granddaughters,” he stated. Additionally, he cited a “justice problem” if students are denied their “right to the best person.” He also criticized the debate surrounding the election of the Federal President, stating that committing to a woman from the outset is a “disadvantage to our society.”
