Foundations of Social Ecological Economics: The Fight for Revolutionary Change in Economic Thought - Paperback

by Clive L. Spash (Author)

This book explores radical dissent from orthodox mainstream economics, and sets out a theoretically grounded vision for the emerging paradigm of social ecological economics. At the heart of this paradigmatic shift lies an acknowledgement of the inextricable embeddedness of economies in biophysical reality and social structure. The struggle for this transformative vision unfolds through a critical examination of mainstream environmental thought, followed by a nuanced evaluation of contributions from Marxists, socialists, critical institutionalists, feminists and Post-Keynesians grappling with the urgent environmental crisis.

Synthesising insights from these diverse and heterodox schools, the book navigates the philosophical underpinnings of science, embracing a critical realist approach that challenges not only mainstream economic thought but also eclectic pluralism, relativism and strong constructionism. The question of what constitutes revolutionary science is explored in light of works by Kuhn, Schumpeter and Neurath, emphasising the pivotal role of values and ideology in works from Marx to Gramsci.

Building on these radical and philosophical foundations, the book articulates a preanalytic vision of social ecological economics, dismantling entrenched notions of growth and efficiency in favour of a framework centered on social provisioning and needs embedded in ethics. In a thought-provoking conclusion, the book applies its analytical lens to the multiple crises of modernity within industrialised capital-accumulating economies. An agenda for social ecological transformation toward diverse alternative economies emerges, providing a compelling call to action in the face of contemporary challenges.

Back Jacket

'This book, written in crystal-clear style, develops the most profound philosophical discussion ever held of ecological economics.'
Joan Martinez-Alier, Professor of Economics and Economic History, Autonomous University of Barcelona

'A brilliant contribution to a radical paradigm of social ecological economics concerned with both disciplinary and social-ecological transformation as necessary conditions for achieving a world in which we all, and all other species, can flourish.'
Tony Lawson, Professor of Economics and Philosophy, University of Cambridge

'The book is deeply rooted in the theory of science, offering a very enlightening text about fundamental issues for science that too often are glossed over or misunderstood.'
Arild Vatn, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Exploring radical dissent from orthodox mainstream economics, this book presents a theoretically grounded vision for the emerging paradigm of social ecological economics. At its heart lies the paradigm-shifting acknowledgement that economies are inextricably embedded in biophysical reality and social structure. The struggle for revisioning in the face of environmental crises is articulated through a critical examination of economic thought, and a nuanced evaluation of contributions from Marxists, socialists, critical institutionalists, feminists and Post Keynesians.

Synthesising diverse insights, the book navigates the philosophical underpinnings of a critical and realist revolutionary transformative science, emphasising the pivotal role of values and ideology. These radical and philosophical foundations establish a new preanalytic vision of economics, dismantling entrenched notions of growth and efficiency in favour of social provisioning and needs embedded in ethics. An agenda emerges that requires social ecological transformation and diverse alternative economies. This book provides a compelling call to action in the face of contemporary crises.

Author Biography

Clive L. Spash is Professor of Public Policy and Governance at Vienna University of Economics and Business