Author(s)

Chen Lingxiao ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Corresponding Author

Chen Lingxiao

ABSTRACT

Höffe's philosophical work "Politische Gerechtigkeit" has garnered praise from several renowned philosophers since its publication. Habermas acclaimed the theory of political justice as the "philosophical foundation of politics," yet simultaneously questioned it for falling into the trap of the ideal observer, deficiencies in individualistic approaches, and overlooking democratic principles. Höffe, interpreting through the lens of commutative justice, responds to Habermas's critique, pointing out its neglect of a higher-order perspective on interactive subjectivity. He legitimizes legal authority by leveraging strict consent theory and principles of distributive justice. Political justice not only safeguards the a priori interests of practical subjects but also establishes the indispensable a priori conditions for communication and consensus-building among practical subjects. At the same time, it reveals the most fundamental democratic principles inherent in commutative justice.

KEYWORDS

Otfried Höffe, Jürgen Habermas, Political Justice, Commutative justice

CITE THIS PAPER

Chen Lingxiao, Legitimatory Individualism and the A Priori Exchange: Höffe's Response to Habermas' Critique. Philosophy Journal (2024) Vol. 3: 64-69. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/phij.2024.030111.

REFERENCES

[1] Höffe O. Political Justice: Foundations for a Critical Philosophy of Law and the State[M]. Cambridge, Polity Press: 1995: 214, 250, 210-211. 
[2] Müller J W. Rawls in germany[J]. European Journal of Political Theory, 2002, 1(2): 168. 
[3] Habermas J. Review: otfried höffes politische fundamentalphilosophie. grenzen des vernunftrechtlichen normativismus[J]. Politische Vierteljahresschrift, 1989, 30(2): 322, 325, 326. 
[4] Höffe O. Principle of Absolute Jurisdiction: A Counterpoint of Modernity[M]. Translated by Shi Fuqi. Beijing: Commercial Press, 2023: 355, 356, 358-359, 360, 361. 
[5] Höffe O. Democracy in an Age of Globalisation [M]. The Netherlands, Springer: 2007: 25.
[6] Leo Strauss. Natural Right and History. Translated by Peng Gang. 3rd edition. Beijing: Sanlian Books, 2016: Introduction, p. 56.

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