In this paper we investigate the fundamental idea at stake in current bioeconomies, such as Europe’s Bio-Based Economy (BBE). We argue that basing an economy upon ecology is an ambivalent effort, causing confusion and inconsistencies. The dominant framing of the damaged biosphere as a market-failure in bioeconomies such as the BBE is problematic. We present alternative conceptualisations of bioeconomies and indicate which concepts are overlooked. The philosophical perspective of Emmanuel Levinas is employed to develop a more profound understanding of the tensions at stake. We argue that humans necessarily seek to overcome their natural origin, yet can never fully control the biosphere upon which they are dependent. Levinas work is compared with that of Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen and found to be complimentary. We highlight the specific contradictions and discrepancies in the relation between economy and ecology, and work towards a genuine and consistent conceptualization of the BBE. Our hypothesis is that a principal heterogeneity between humankind and nature should be explicitly acknowledged – instead of the impossible, absolute amalgamation of economy and ecology strived for today – if a bioeconomy which truly operates within the carrying capacity of planet Earth is to be accomplished.

中文翻译：

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迈向生物经济哲学：经济与生态系统关系的列维纳斯视角

在本文中，我们调查了当前生物经济中的基本思想，例如欧洲的生物经济 (BBE)。我们认为，以生态为基础的经济是一种矛盾的努力，会导致混乱和不一致。将受损的生物圈视为 BBE 等生物经济体市场失灵的主导框架是有问题的。我们提出了生物经济的替代概念，并指出哪些概念被忽视。伊曼纽尔·列维纳斯 (Emmanuel Levinas) 的哲学观点被用来更深入地了解所面临的紧张局势。我们认为，人类必然会寻求克服其自然起源，但永远无法完全控制他们所依赖的生物圈。Levinas 的工作与 Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen 的工作进行了比较，发现它们是互补的。我们强调经济与生态关系中的具体矛盾和差异，并努力实现 BBE 的真实和一致的概念化。我们的假设是，如果要实现真正在地球承载能力范围内运行的生物经济，就应该明确承认人类与自然之间的主要异质性——而不是今天努力实现的不可能的、绝对的经济和生态融合。