Description
Book SynopsisIn this provocative inquiry into the status of animals in human society from the fifth century BC to the present, Rod Preece provides a wholly new perspective on the human-animal relationship.
Trade ReviewPreece argues against the naturalistic fallacy and suggests that historical, popular, and empirical issues are where one begins when establishing tenable moral beliefs. Thus he ties together the historical and moral analyses. This wise, well-written, scholarly book is filled with insights. Highly recommended. -- R. Werner, Hamilton College * Choice *
A book of this breadth and depth rarely comes around ... I learned a lot by reading this book. Preece’s claims are well referenced ... It will be a very valuable resource for anyone interested in the complicated and frustrating interrelationships that have emerged between animals and humans. -- Marc Bekoff * Quarterly Review of Biology, volume 81 *
In
Brute Souls, Preece has shaped these findings into a very interesting and stimulating argument about the need to re-evaluate some widespread views on the historical status of animals within Western culture. Overall, this is a very interesting, well-researched book, impressive in scope and full of stimulating ideas. I recommend it to anyone concerned about the status of animals in society and about the development of ethical ideas and social justice in general.
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgment
Introduction
1 In Quest of the Soul
2 Peripatetic Souls
3 A Natural History of Animal Souls
4 Return to Nature: The Golden Age and the Happy Beast
5 Theriophily Redivivus
6 Symbiosis: Animals as Means and as Ends
7 Evolution, Chain, and Categorical Imperative
8 Kinship and Evolution: The Darwinian Myth
9 The Moral Status of Animals: Practical Judgment, Reasonable Partiality, and Species Needs
Notes
Bibliography
Index
