Indifference: On the Praxis of Interspecies Being

In Indifference, Naisargi N. Davé explores the complex worlds of animalists and animalism in India, revealing how human-animal relations manifest through care and violence. He also discovers an ethic of indifference, which is a respect for others in their otherness that allows human and nonhuman animals to flourish in immanent encounters. This indifference becomes the basis for an interspecies ethics and a method of care and practice in everyday life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his profound exploration, "Indifference: Exploring Complex Worlds of Animalists and Animalism in India," Naisargi N. Davé delves into the intricate tapestry of human-animal relations in India. Through meticulous ethnographic fieldwork, spanning diverse perspectives such as animal healers, activists, farmers, laborers, transporters, and animals themselves, Davé unveils the multifaceted manifestations of these interactions. From the bustling city streets to the bustling dairy farms and the grim abattoirs, he traces the threads of care and violence that weave through human-animal relations. What truly captivates Davé's attention is the discovery of an ethic of indifference animating interspecies relationality in India. This ethic, rather than being driven by curiosity, love, desire, or animosity, fosters a mutual regard and understanding between humans and nonhuman animals. For Davé, indifference becomes a profound respect for others in their unique otherness, enabling a harmonious coexistence and flourishing in their immanent encounters. It serves as the foundation for an interspecies ethics and a practical approach to care and practice in everyday life. By embracing indifference, Davé offers not only a mode of relationality in the world but also a scholarly perspective. He encourages us to approach ethico-political concepts with a detached curiosity, devoid of commitment or antagonism. In these moments of indifference, he believes, lies the potential for other worlds to emerge. Through his insightful analysis, Davé invites us to contemplate the complexities of our interactions with animals and to explore new avenues for empathy, compassion, and a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025139