Introduction to Animal Issues in Philosophy 3700-AZm-L1-7-WPZF
The aim of the lecture is to show a wide panorama of ways in which animals were approached in philosophical thought throughout history. The lecture is also conceived as an introduction to philosophy, and thus includes information about the most important currents, approaches, authors and works, analysed from the perspective of the animal question.
The objective of the seminar is to acquaint first-year students with the most important contemporary philosophical approaches in animal studies. The readings cover both the analytical (or anglo-saxon) and continental traditions in philosophy. The classes focus on the analysis of texts and discussion.
During the second semester, participants prepare essays in which they endeavour to apply the theories presented in the analysed texts to practical problems. Two or three classes during the second semester are devoted to the preparation of the essays; during those meetings students discuss their essay ideas and get acquainted with the most important skills required during the preparation of an academic text (bibliographic queries, citing sources, formulating research questions etc.).
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- Basic knowledge of environmental philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and ethics
- Knowledge about ethical and cultural attitudes towards animals in the history of civilization, especially changes occurring in contemporary times
-Understanding the natural, economic, legal, social and political determinants of human-animal relations
- Knowledge of the basic terminology and methodology of the humanities and natural and social sciences
- Familiarity with resources in the arts, literature, language and philosophy related to reflection about animals and animality
Skills
- Analysing the main phenomena of human-animal relations from the perspective of different disciplines
- Diagnosing the main ideological disputes over the status of animals and their use by humans in the course of history
- Analysing and interpreting – in a cultural, social and ethical context – artistic projects featuring animals or their images
- Knowing how to continually update and expand one’s knowledge and improve one’s skills
Social competences
Being prepared for fact-based argumentation in academic debates and ideological disputes while respecting views different from one’s own
- Being prepared for acting in accordance with the code of scientific work ethics and decency while respecting one’s own and others’ health as well as intellectual property rights
- Being prepared for using deductive thinking skills in analysing natural phenomena and cultural processes
KW_03, KW_07, KW_08, KW_10, KW_13
KU_01, KU_02, KU_05, KU_08
KK_02, KK_04, KK_08
Bibliography
Provided by the lecturer
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: