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This article investigates the contributions of critical realist ethical naturalism to the degrowth movement.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Critical realist ethical naturalism: Generic and fit for degrowth?

Key Points

This article investigates the contributions of critical realist ethical naturalism to the degrowth movement.
Analyzes the principles of degrowth and critical ethical naturalism.
Discusses the contrasts between Andrew Collier's and Ted Benton's views on intrinsic worth.
Offers a conceptual framework to understand ethical implications for degrowth.
Highlights the potential benefits of applying critical realism to ethical naturalism in the context of degrowth.
Identifies possible issues raised by differing perspectives on intrinsic worth.
Demonstrates the importance of ethical considerations in sustainability discussions.

Abstract

In this article I explore what critical realist critical ethical naturalism offers degrowth. I briefly set out what degrowth seeks to achieve. I then move on to provide a short account of what critical ethical naturalism is a reaction to, before setting out a generic critical realist account. I then move on to discuss what it offers and some of the issues that may arise, illustrated using Andrew Collier's and Ted Benton's differences over intrinsic worth.

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