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.

Reviews

"The field of ecological economics was founded in 1990. Clive Spash was active in it from the beginning with a decisive role over many years in the European Society of Ecological Economics. This book, written in crystal-clear style, develops the most profound philosophical discussion ever held of ecological economics as a branch of human ecology combining the study of social metabolism with valuation issues. Ecological economics is seen as the science of the institutions that secure the social provisioning of human needs while guiding a safe co-evolution of humans in nature. A landmark book building on the tradition of Otto Neurath and K.W. Kapp".

Joan Martinez-Alier, Professor of Economics and Economic History, Autonomous University of Barcelona

"A brilliant contribution to, and about, 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 in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge

"Clive Spash formulates - in an unusual clear and consistent way - a foundation for social ecological economics. He has for more than 30 years been engaged in developing ecological economics to ensure that its rationale - the economy's fundamental dependence on the bio-physical and the social - is consistently treated. The book develops a clear distinction between mainstream and ecological economics, specifies the limitations of the former and clarifies what is gained by moving away from an 'anything goes' ecological economics. 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. I am sure the book will provoke reflection and debate as well as help the society reclaim its identity. I found it very helpful."
Arild Vatn, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Department of International Environment & Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.

Preface
Part I: Radical foundations
1 Historical foundations and foundational conflicts
2 Addressing the environmental crisis: Orthodox versus heterodox economics
Part II: Philosophical foundations
3 Issues in history and philosophy of science with implications for economics
4 The philosophical basis for advancing knowledge in ecological economics
5 Revolutionary transformative science
Part III: Social ecological economic foundations
6 Reorienting to social ecological economics: The preanalytic vision
7 Integration of social, ecological and economic knowledge
8 Clarifying division and seeking unity
9 An alternative economics for alternative economies

References
Index