Imaginary of Animals

This book explores the phenomenon of animal imagination and its power over the human imagination, examining the structural and ethical role of the human imagination in providing an interface between humans and animals. It establishes that human imagination is based on animal imagination and argues that allowing imagination to play a role in our relation to animals will lead to a more empathetic approach.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of animal imagination, exploring its immense power over the human imagination. It examines the crucial structural and ethical role that the human imagination must fulfill in bridging the gap between human subjectivity and the cognitive abilities of animals. Through a comprehensive and systematic study, the book highlights the growing significance of metaphors, virtuality, and figures in contemporary animal studies. It uncovers the human-animal and real-imaginary dichotomies, revealing them as the root of oppressive cultural structures. By examining creative, playful, and theatrical enactments, as well as mimicry of animal behaviors and communication, the book establishes that human imagination is deeply rooted in animal imagination. This groundbreaking revelation reshapes our traditional understanding of animals and presents new practices and ethical considerations regarding our interactions with them. The book firmly argues that embracing imagination in our relationship with animals can foster a more empathetic approach, leading to a deeper appreciation and care for these remarkable creatures.

Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge from phenomenology, contemporary animal philosophy, ethological evidence, and biosemiotics, this book pioneers a reimagining of traditional philosophical concepts such as imagination, images, the imaginary, and reality within a zoocentric perspective. It appeals to philosophers, scholars, and students in the field of animal studies, as well as anyone with an interest in human and non-human imaginations.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367772970