Foundations of Social Ecological Economics

"""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. -- ."