From value to valuation and appropriation. A comment on Pirgmaier's paper “The value of value theory for ecological economics”

Pirgmaier's paper “The value of value theory for ecological economics” is a plea to ecological economists to take a greater interest in value theory and, in particular, to appreciate the Marxian labour theory of value. This paper first criticises this view and then proceeds to outline an alternative perspective, which suggests that the focus on value should be replaced by a focus on valuation processes and the role these processes play in the appropriation of goods and services. Furthermore, the importance of biophysical measures as a critical tool is emphasised, both to highlight exploitation and to promote understandings that can support sustainability transitions.