Anthropomorphism; Anecdotes & Anim

by Robert W. Mitchell (Editor), Nicholas Thompson (Editor), H Lyn Miles (Editor)

An evaluation of the significance and usefulness of anthropomorphism and anecdotalism for understanding animals and humans. The 29 critical essays, written by historians, philosophers, anthropologists, psychologists, biologists, and primatologists, consider the debates between scientific and cultura

Genres: Academic

523 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book's 29 more-or-less overlapping essays debate how far it is possible to understand animals. The views encompass "slayers" (who prove the impossibility of mutual understanding between man and beast), skeptics, and proponents who claim success in patiently developing systems of sign communication with monkeys, sea lions, or parrots. Theoretical arguments predominate, and it was mainly the occasional story about animal behavior that perked up my ears.