Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters

Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Columbia University Press
Country
United States
Published
14 December 2012
Pages
416
ISBN
9780231161503

Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters

In these multidisciplinary essays, academic scholars and animal experts explore the nature of animal minds and the methods humans conventionally and unconventionally use to understand them. The collection features chapters by scholars working in psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, literary studies, and art as well as chapters by or about people who live or work with animals, including the founder of a sanctuary for chickens, a fur trapper, a popular canine psychologist, a horse trainer, and an art photographer who captures everyday contact between humans and their animal companions. Divided into five sections, the collection first considers the ways that humans live with animals and the influence of cohabitation on their perceptions of animals’ minds. It follows with an examination of anthropomorphism as both a guide and hindrance to mapping animal consciousness. Chapters in the next section examine the effects of embodiment on animals’ minds and the role of animal-human interembodiment on humans’ understandings of animals’ minds. Final sections identify historical representations of difference between human and animal consciousness and their relevance to pre-established cultural attitudes, as well as the ways that representations of animals’ minds target particular audiences and sometimes produce problematic outcomes. The editors conclude with a discussion of the relationship between the book’s chapters and two pressing themes: the relationship of human beliefs about animals’ minds on human ethical behavior and the challenges and conditions for knowing the minds of animals. By inviting readers to compare and contrast multiple, uncommon points of view, this collection offers a unique encounter with the diverse minds and theories now shaping animal studies.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 4 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.