Bringing together some of the most eminent thinkers in the field, this book celebrates the seminal contribution of Ted Benton to the pressing themes of nature, social relations and human needs. An introductory overview of the writings of Ted Benton focuses on the subtle ways in which he has combined the concerns of biology and sociology, and more broadly, the life sciences and social sciences. The following chapters are divided into four parts, all of which have been central to Benton's work; examining realism, naturalism and the philosophy of the social sciences; the continuing relevance of Marxism; philosophical anthropology and human needs; ecology, society and natural limits. The concluding chapter is a stimulating and important rejoinder by Ted Benton; variously clarifying, conceding, defending, and insisting, but most of all savouring the opportunity to further develop pressing lines of thought. With chapters by leading sociologists, this study, the first to critically assess the impact of Benton's work, will be invaluable to all those concerned with the relation between the natural and social worlds.