Animals and Nature
“No one tradition alone offers a sufficient respect for other species. Taken together, they may offer a prospect for saner human-animal relations.” – From the book
Western conceptions of objectivity and individuality have resulted in a readier appreciation of the worth of the animals and nature than has been recognized. This provocative book takes issue with the popular view that the Western cultural tradition, in contrast to Eastern and Aboriginal traditions, has encouraged attitudes of domination and exploitation towards nature, particularly animals.
Preece argues that the Western tradition has much to commend it, and that descriptions of Aboriginal and Oriental orientations have often been misleadingly rosy, 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.
An incredibly detailed documentation of western theory and practice of humanity’s relationship with nature and especially with animals.
A new and surprising religious target, native Indian spirituality, is discovered in this groundbreaking book by Rod Preece.
No previous book offers nearly the breadth of Preece's erudite multidisciplinary work. A unique and valuable book, strongly recommended.
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
