Animal Lessons

How They Teach Us to Be Human

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Animals, Animals Rights, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy
Cover of the book Animal Lessons by Kelly Oliver, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kelly Oliver ISBN: 9780231520492
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: October 8, 2009
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Kelly Oliver
ISBN: 9780231520492
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: October 8, 2009
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Philosophy reads humanity against animality, arguing that "man" is man because he is separate from beast. Deftly challenging this position, Kelly Oliver proves that, in fact, it is the animal that teaches us to be human. Through their sex, their habits, and our perception of their purpose, animals show us how not to be them.

This kinship plays out in a number of ways. We sacrifice animals to establish human kinship, but without the animal, the bonds of "brotherhood" fall apart. Either kinship with animals is possible or kinship with humans is impossible. Philosophy holds that humans and animals are distinct, but in defending this position, the discipline depends on a discourse that relies on the animal for its very definition of the human. Through these and other examples, Oliver does more than just establish an animal ethics. She transforms ethics by showing how its very origin is dependent upon the animal. Examining for the first time the treatment of the animal in the work of Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida, Agamben, Freud, Lacan, and Kristeva, among others, Animal Lessons argues that the animal bites back, thereby reopening the question of the animal for philosophy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Philosophy reads humanity against animality, arguing that "man" is man because he is separate from beast. Deftly challenging this position, Kelly Oliver proves that, in fact, it is the animal that teaches us to be human. Through their sex, their habits, and our perception of their purpose, animals show us how not to be them.

This kinship plays out in a number of ways. We sacrifice animals to establish human kinship, but without the animal, the bonds of "brotherhood" fall apart. Either kinship with animals is possible or kinship with humans is impossible. Philosophy holds that humans and animals are distinct, but in defending this position, the discipline depends on a discourse that relies on the animal for its very definition of the human. Through these and other examples, Oliver does more than just establish an animal ethics. She transforms ethics by showing how its very origin is dependent upon the animal. Examining for the first time the treatment of the animal in the work of Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Derrida, Agamben, Freud, Lacan, and Kristeva, among others, Animal Lessons argues that the animal bites back, thereby reopening the question of the animal for philosophy.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Terror, Religion, and Liberal Thought by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Human Behavior and Social Environments by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book On the Parole Board by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Global Markets, Domestic Institutions by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book The New European Cinema by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Horrorism by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book After Christianity by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Design Thinking for the Greater Good by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Theory for the Working Sociologist by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book The Wise Advocate by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Let the Right One In by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Sōseki by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Beyond Sinology by Kelly Oliver
Cover of the book Lacan by Kelly Oliver
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy