This special issue in Studies in Social Justice advocates for life-value onto-axiology, a philosophical framework that prioritizes life-sustaining requirements over the prevailing money-value system of global capitalism. The authors critique established theories of justice, such as those by John Rawls, for failing to address the material destruction of ecosystems and human life caused by unfettered market growth. Central to the discussion is the concept of the civil commons, which encompasses social constructs like universal healthcare, public education, and sustainable food systems that ensure access to essential life goods. By analyzing international human rights law through this lens, the sources argue that genuine social justice requires protecting the organic and social needs of individuals rather than just their financial interests. Ultimately, the work calls for a systemic re-grounding of society to align legal and economic structures with the universal necessities required for human life to flourish.
