Description
Book Synopsis: “You are about to enter a new genre, that of scientific fables, by which I don’t mean science fiction, or false stories about science, but, on the contrary, true ways of understanding how difficult it is to figure out what animals are up to.” —Bruno Latour, from the Foreword
Is it all right to urinate in front of animals? What does it mean when a monkey throws its feces at you? Do apes really know how to ape? Do animals form same-sex relations? Are they the new celebrities of the twenty-first century? This book poses twenty-six such questions that stretch our preconceived ideas about what animals do, what they think about, and what they want.
In a delightful abecedarium of twenty-six chapters, Vinciane Despret argues that behaviors we identify as separating humans from animals do not actually properly belong to humans. She does so by exploring incredible and often funny adventures about animals and their involvements with researchers, farmers, zookeepers, handlers, and other human beings. Do animals have a sense of humor? In reading these stories it is evident that they do seem to take perverse pleasure in creating scenarios that unsettle even the greatest of experts, who in turn devise newer and riskier hypotheses that invariably lead them to conclude that animals are not nearly as dumb as previously thought.
These deftly translated accounts oblige us, along the way, to engage in both ethology and philosophy. Combining serious scholarship with humor that will resonate with anyone, this book—with a foreword by noted French philosopher, anthropologist, and sociologist of science Bruno Latour—is a must not only for specialists but also for general readers, including dog owners, who will never look at their canine companions the same way again.
Details
Unlock the minds of animals like never before with "What Would Animals Say If We Asked the Right Questions?" This groundbreaking book delves into the mysterious world of animal behavior, challenging our assumptions and revealing the complex interactions between humans and animals. Dive into a captivating abecedarium of twenty-six chapters that will make you question everything you thought you knew about our furry and feathered friends.
Written by Vinciane Despret, this book is a playful exploration of the ways in which animals confound our expectations and challenge our understanding. Through a series of engaging and often humorous stories, Despret invites readers to reconsider the intelligence, humor, and emotions of animals. From monkeys throwing feces to apes imitating humans, each tale will leave you with a new perspective on the creatures that share our planet.
With a foreword by the renowned philosopher Bruno Latour, this book seamlessly blends ethology and philosophy, offering a unique insight into the minds of animals. Whether you're a specialist in the field or a curious pet owner, this book is a must-read that will forever change the way you view the animal kingdom. Prepare to be captivated, entertained, and enlightened by the secrets that animals have been waiting to share with us.
Ready to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder? Click here to get your hands on a copy of "What Would Animals Say If We Asked the Right Questions?" and unlock the hidden truths of the animal world.
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