Should our understandig of "paradigm" in relation to social sciences like economics be limited to Kuhn's ideas of "scientific revolutions"? In this commentary it is argued that paradigm can alternatively be connected with a conceptual framework and language which claims to be helpful in understanding problems faced in contemporary society.
Ecological economics can be broadly understood as economics for sustainable development. To deal with problems of climate change, pollution in air, land and water or biodiversity loss, a conceptual framework and language that differs from the neoclassical one is probably needed. Elements of such a different language are indicated. The reasons to consider paradigms, alternative to the neoclassical perspective, are partly a matter of ideological orientation. A pursuit of sustainable development for example differs from pursuit of economic growth in monetary terms and monetary profits in business.