Ethics and Animals: An Introduction

by Lori Gruen

Cambridge Applied Ethics

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Description

In this comprehensive introduction to animal ethics, Lori Gruen weaves together poignant and provocative case studies with discussions of ethical theory, urging readers to engage critically and empathetically reflect on our treatment of other animals. In clear and accessible language, Gruen provides a survey of the issues central to human-animal relations and a reasoned new perspective on current key debates in the field. She analyses and explains a range of theoretical positions and poses show more challenging questions that directly encourage readers to hone their ethical reasoning skills and to develop a defensible position about their own practices. Her book will be an invaluable resource for students in a wide range of disciplines including ethics, environmental studies, veterinary science, women's studies, and the emerging field of animal studies and is an engaging account of the subject for general readers with no prior background in philosophy. show less

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1 review
Essential antidote to the ungrounded theorizing of the male philosophers whose abstract idea(l)s have inhibited rather than facilitated effective animal liberation activism.

Don't be fooled by the textbook tone. While the book will work beautifully as an exceptionally engaging college ethics textbook, Gruen is (as usual) up to something much more subtly powerful than laying out the usual arguments in terms that students can understand. She covers virtually every ethical question concerning human-animal relations, not only answering common challenges in ways that animal advocates may find helpful to model but also and most importantly including the (eco)feminist perspectives that you don't even know exist if you've been reading Singer, show more Reagan, and Francione. These tend, on the whole, to destabilize the false dichotomies underlying socially constructed dilemmas, thereby clearing the way for creative solutions.

Clear thinking and what Gruen calls "engaged empathy" -- that's exactly what animal advocates need right now. Strongly recommended!
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ThingScore 100
"It is unfortunate that the vast majority of book reviews are loaded with adulation and flattery. The
near-endless encomia make it difficult for reviewers to describe those few books that really are
worthy of exaltation. Lori Gruen's new book, Ethics and Animals: An Introduction, is one of those few books that deserve the plaudits it has been getting and will continue to get."
Greg Goodale, Women's Studies
Sep 25, 2013
added by pattricejones
"It moves beyond the single-issue politics of many animal rights agendas, and gives readers lots of ways to imagine a much better world for all animals, including ourselves."
Kathy Rudy, Ethics & the Environment (pay site)
Sep 25, 2013
added by pattricejones

Author Information

13+ Works 240 Members
Lori Gruen is the William Griffin Professor of Philosophy at Wesleyan University and coordinator of Wesleyan Animal Studies. She is the author of Ethics and Animals and Entangled Empathy and the editor of six other books.

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Series

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Ethics and Animals: An Introduction

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Philosophy, Sexuality and Gender Studies, Science & Nature
DDC/MDS
179.3Philosophy & psychologyEthicsOther ethical normsTreatment of animals
LCC
HV4708 .G78Social sciencesSocial pathology. Social and public welfare. CriminologySocial pathology. Social and public welfare.Protection, assistance and reliefProtection of animals. Animal rights. Animal
BISAC

Statistics

Members
34
Popularity
838,031
Reviews
1
Rating
(4.00)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
9