EP 05: From Flat-Earth Economics to Social-Ecological Economics with Clive Spash
How can philosophy of science help us in the fight to reclaim economics? That is the topic of discussion in our latest episode of Invisible Handcuffs, where I was delighted to be joined by leading a social-ecological economist Clive Spash. This discussion brought a whole new language to problems with economics that I have long sensed, but been unable to put into words. We delve deep into philosophy of science which Clive argues is crucial not just for deconstructing mainstream economics - which Clive says is literally walking us into disaster - but also, if we wish to build a new economics that can offer viable alternatives to the extractive and exploitative economies we have today. We also take time to discuss Clive’s route into ecological economics via environmental activism, and then later, to social-ecological economics which integrates social justice, incorporating aspects such as ethics, decolonialism and care. We also discuss links with other heterodox economics disciplines with Clive explaining how he hopes social-ecological economics could become a unifying social science that informs new approaches seeking to meet genuine needs within the earth’s finite limits. – Note, this episode comes after a short and partly unplanned break due to heatwaves and other unforeseen personal circumstances. For the summer we’re going to be switching to a biweekly schedule and will also be posting ad-hoc context related to our upcoming documentary. To be sure to receive the latest content to your inbox you can sign up at www.invisiblehandcuffs.com. This also helps the algorithm ensure others find out work.
Invisible Handcuffs: Unchaining EconomicsKaty Shields

How can philosophy of science help us in the fight to reclaim economics?

That is the topic of discussion in our latest episode of Invisible Handcuffs, where I was delighted to be joined by leading social-ecological economist Clive Spash.

Clive says that economists’ misconceptualisation of the world is leading us into disaster. 

Not only do economic models ignore critical ecological factors necessary for human survival — the earth’s biophysical limits, the laws of thermodynamics — but also, the realities of our extractive and exploitative capitalist system.

All those arguments about how economists are ‘just’ doing objective, impartial ‘science’ can, according to Clive, be easily dismantled using the tools of philosophy of science — starting with how economists perceive the world (ontology) through to the methods they apply to study it.

We also take time to discuss Clive’s route into ecological economics via environmental activism, and then later, to social-ecological economics which integrates social justice, incorporating aspects such as ethics, decolonialism and care.

In a field that can sometimes feel disjointed, Clive hopes that by embracing a ‘critical realistic’ philosophical approach, social-ecological economics could become a unifying social science that informs new approaches seeking to meet genuine needs within the earth’s finite limits.

This discussion brought a whole new language to problems with economics that I have long sensed, but been unable to put into words. I know am probably not doing justice to it here, so I highly encourage you to check out this episode and also Clive’s latest book, linked in the shownotes. 

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Note, this episode comes after a short and partly unplanned break partly due to heatwaves and other unforeseen circumstances that ruptured our schedule. To ease the pressure, for the summer we’re going to be switching to a biweekly schedule and will also be posting ad-hoc context related to our upcoming documentary on the fight to reclaim economics, including a trailer we are working on! 

To be sure to receive the latest content to your inbox please consider subscribing. This also helps the algorithm ensure others find out work. Thank you!