Animals and Nature
336 pages, 6 1/4 x 9 1/4
Paperback
Release Date:26 Oct 2005
ISBN:9780774807258
Hardcover
Release Date:01 May 1999
ISBN:9780774807241
PDF
Release Date:01 Oct 2007
ISBN:9780774852203
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Animals and Nature

Cultural Myths, Cultural Realities

UBC Press

Western conceptions of objectivity and individuality have resulted in a greater appreciation of the worth of animals and nature than has previously been recognized. This provocative book takes issue with the popular view Western cultural traditions, in contrast to Eastern and Indigenous traditions, encourage attitudes of domination and exploitation towards nature.

Preece argues that the Western tradition has much to commend it, and that descriptions of Indigenous and Asian orientations have often been misleadingly rosy and are simplified and codified according to current fashionable concepts.

Animals and Nature is the result of six years’ intensive study into comparative religion, literature, philosophy, anthropology, mythology, and animal-welfare science.

Awards

  • 2000, Winner - Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine
  • 2002, Shortlisted - Raymond Klibansky Prize, Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Preece is a scholar of enormous intellect who makes the long-overdue case that western civilization need look no further than its own myths and traditions to justify the ethical treatment of animals. Terry Glavin, Georgia Straight
An incredibly detailed documentation of western theory and practice of humanity’s relationship with nature and especially with animals. Diane Baltaz, Canadian Forum
A new and surprising religious target, native Indian spirituality, is discovered in this groundbreaking book by Rod Preece. Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun
No previous book offers nearly the breadth of Preece's erudite multidisciplinary work. A unique and valuable book, strongly recommended. W.P. Hogan, Choice
Rod Preece teaches in the Department of Political Science at Wilfried Laurier University. He is the author of Animal Welfare, Human Values and Brute Souls, Happy Beasts, and Evolution (UBC Press, 2005).

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction: The Denigration of the West

1 Advocacy Scholarship

2 “Beastliness” and “Brutality”

3 Animals All?

4 Rationalism

5 Alienation from Nature

6 From the Great Chain of Being to the Theory of Evolution

7 Aboriginal and Oriental Harmony with Nature

8 Gaea and the Universal Spirit

Notes

Select Bibliography

Index

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