Animal Dignity: Philosophical Reflections on Non-Human Existence

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How do we understand the dignity and value of non-human animals Leading philosophers, ethnologists, and writers contribute to this interdisciplinary and wide-ranging account of animal dignity. With a foreword by world-leading primatologist, Jane Goodall DBE, the 20 essays collected here make the case for applying the concept of dignity beyond its usual humanist framework and introduce readers to animal dignity in history, law, science, philosophy and literature. United in recognising the dignity of nonhuman animals, these essays suggest how we might ensure a flourishing environment in times of ecological destruction and climate breakdown. Historians, primatologists, philosophers, novelists, and artists approach the concept of animal dignity creatively, offering interpretations that are academically rigorous, alongside ones that are personal and literary. This variety of engagement knits together a fruitful way forward for progressive relations between all species.

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How best to think about and do justice to the dignity of animals As Challengers superb collection demonstrates, this task involves not simply extending traditional notions of dignity to animals but also considering how the lives and deaths of animals themselves might challenge us to conceive of dignity in new and unanticipated ways. * Matthew Calarco, Professor of Philosophy, California State University, USA *

Author Bio

Melanie Challenger is a writer, researcher and broadcaster on environmental history and philosophy of science, Deputy Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, and a Vice President of the RSPCA.