This annotated bibliography summarizes key texts in Animal Studies. Wolfe’s Human, All Too Human: ‘Animal Studies’ and the Humanities outlines the field’s origins, traits, and challenges, arguing for inseparable human–animal domains and expanding Cultural Studies to non-human concerns. Shell’s The Family Pet examines the human–pet bond as emotional fulfillment, blurring “kind” and “kin.” Descartes’ letters deny animal reasoning, attributing actions to instinct, while Montaigne’s Apology rejects human superiority, urging equal treatment and challenging assumptions about animals’ communicative abilities.
Table of Contents
- Human, All Too Human: 'Animal Studies' and the Humanities
- The Family Pet
- From the Letters of 1646 and 1649
- An Apology for Raymond Sebond
Objectives and Key Themes
This text explores the field of Animal Studies through an analysis of key scholarly works. The main objective is to examine different perspectives on the human-animal relationship and the capabilities of animals, challenging anthropocentric assumptions.
- The human-animal bond and its societal implications.
- The capacity for animal thought and communication.
- The ethical treatment of animals and the critique of anthropocentrism.
- Different philosophical approaches to understanding animal behavior.
- The evolution of Western representations of animals.
Chapter Summaries
Human, All Too Human: 'Animal Studies' and the Humanities: This article by Cary Wolfe introduces the field of Animal Studies, exploring its origins, characteristics, and challenges. Wolfe highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal domains, arguing that they cannot be separated. He emphasizes that Animal Studies extends the field of Cultural Studies by incorporating non-human beings and their mutual impact. The article also discusses the methodological and theoretical challenges inherent in studying animals and their implications for Western culture, referencing Marc Shell's work on the human-pet bond as an example.
The Family Pet: Marc Shell's article examines the Western representation of human-animal relationships, specifically focusing on the human-pet bond. Shell suggests that pets serve as substitutes for emotional needs and family members, filling a void in human society. He analyzes the blurring of human and animal characteristics in our perception of pets, distinguishing between "kind" (family and human traits) and "kin" (a closer, more intimate family relationship). The author's analysis touches on the egocentric nature of human-pet relationships, where humans seek companionship and emotional support from their animals. This chapter challenges the simplistic view of pet ownership, highlighting its complexity and implications.
From the Letters of 1646 and 1649: This chapter presents excerpts from René Descartes' letters, where he debates the capacity of animals to think. Descartes argues that animals lack the will to motivate speech, attributing their actions to instincts and passions rather than reason. He distinguishes between a "corporeal soul" possessed by animals and the "incorporeal mind" unique to humans. Descartes claims that animal behavior is driven by survival instincts, not conscious thought. The analysis juxtaposes Descartes' view with Montaigne's contrasting perspective, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on animal cognition.
An Apology for Raymond Sebond: Michel de Montaigne's essay challenges the anthropocentric assumption of human superiority over other life forms. He criticizes the view, exemplified by Descartes, that humans possess a unique incorporeal mind. Montaigne advocates for the ethical treatment of animals, questioning our understanding of animal communication and intelligence. He argues against the assumption that animals' inability to communicate with humans implies a lack of cognitive abilities. The author emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of animal behavior, urging a rejection of anthropocentric biases in interpreting their actions.
Keywords
Animal Studies, human-animal bond, animal cognition, anthropocentrism, ethics, communication, pet ownership, philosophical perspectives, Western representations of animals, interspecies relationships.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of the "Animal Studies" language preview?
The language preview provides an overview of Animal Studies through key texts, exploring the human-animal relationship, animal capabilities, and challenging anthropocentric views.
What topics are covered in the table of contents?
The table of contents lists the following texts: 'Human, All Too Human: 'Animal Studies' and the Humanities', 'The Family Pet', 'From the Letters of 1646 and 1649', and 'An Apology for Raymond Sebond'.
What are the objectives and key themes of the text?
The main objective is to examine different perspectives on the human-animal relationship and the capabilities of animals. Key themes include the human-animal bond, animal thought and communication, ethical treatment of animals, philosophical approaches to animal behavior, and the evolution of Western representations of animals.
Can you summarize the "Human, All Too Human: 'Animal Studies' and the Humanities" chapter?
This article, by Cary Wolfe, introduces the field of Animal Studies, highlighting the interconnectedness of human and animal domains and extending the field of Cultural Studies by incorporating non-human beings. It also discusses methodological and theoretical challenges in studying animals.
What is "The Family Pet" chapter about?
Marc Shell's article examines Western representations of human-animal relationships, focusing on the human-pet bond. It suggests that pets serve as substitutes for emotional needs and analyzes the blurring of human and animal characteristics in our perception of pets.
What is discussed in "From the Letters of 1646 and 1649"?
This chapter presents excerpts from René Descartes' letters, where he argues that animals lack the capacity to think, attributing their actions to instincts rather than reason. He distinguishes between a "corporeal soul" in animals and an "incorporeal mind" in humans.
What are the main points of "An Apology for Raymond Sebond"?
Michel de Montaigne's essay challenges the anthropocentric assumption of human superiority, advocating for the ethical treatment of animals and questioning our understanding of animal communication and intelligence. He argues against the assumption that a lack of human-like communication implies a lack of cognitive abilities.
What are the key words associated with this text?
The key words include: Animal Studies, human-animal bond, animal cognition, anthropocentrism, ethics, communication, pet ownership, philosophical perspectives, Western representations of animals, and interspecies relationships.
What is anthropocentrism, as it relates to this text?
Anthropocentrism is the view that humans are the central or most important entities in the universe. The texts challenge this view by arguing for the recognition and ethical treatment of animals, acknowledging their cognitive abilities, and questioning the assumption of human superiority.
- Quote paper
- Niklas Richter (Author), 2018, Annotated Bibliography on Animal Studies Literature, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1586959
