Andreas Voßkuhle: “We need to listen to each other again”

Professor Andreas Voßkuhle, Director of the Institute for Political Science and Philosophy of Law at the University of Freiburg, has voiced concerns regarding the state of German democracy and the evolution of higher education.

Voßkuhle, who served for a decade as President of the Federal Constitutional Court, the youngest to hold the position in its history, emphasizes the need for improved public discourse. He observes in an interview that increased polarization hinders constructive dialogue.

Reflecting on his own university days as an LMU alumnus, Voßkuhle notes a shift towards a more rigid educational structure. He recalls earlier teaching formats as being freer, fostering independent thought, while current emphasis on exam preparation and the reduction of non-exam-related content is detrimental.

Regarding the research landscape, Voßkuhle criticizes the growing influence of external funding and the "attention economy." He suggests that young researchers often feel pressured to gain visibility, potentially prioritizing media appearances over foundational academic work. He also points to chronic underfunding of universities.

Voßkuhle expresses gratitude for his tenure as President of the Federal Constitutional Court, characterizing it as a significant institution. However, he acknowledges that after completing his term, the focus must shift back to other responsibilities and broader societal issues.