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What is an animal: Learning from the past - looking to the future
[journal article]
Abstract Can western human society apply its definition of the term "animal"on itself? Is it possible that a "person" is not only human? In this article, I explore and analyze various and interdisciplinary doctrines and approaches towards nonhuman animals in order to question the current status-quo regarding... view more
Can western human society apply its definition of the term "animal"on itself? Is it possible that a "person" is not only human? In this article, I explore and analyze various and interdisciplinary doctrines and approaches towards nonhuman animals in order to question the current status-quo regarding nonhuman animals.Throughout history, as Man developed self-awareness and the ability to empathize with others, hunters were associated with wolves and began to domesticate them and other animals. With the introduction of different religions and beliefs into human society, Man was given the lead in the food chain, and the status of the nonhuman animals became objectified and subject of the property of human animals. Common modern taxonomy identified and described approximately 1.9 million different species. Some estimate the total number of species on earth in 8.7 million. The Human is just one of 5,416 other species in the Mammal class and shares a place of honour among hundreds of other Primates and Great Apes. It appears to be commonly and scientifically accepted that humans are animals. Humans, as other nonhuman animals, all meet the definitions of the term. However, it seems that there is a wide gap between the human-generated definitions (HGDs) and the human social practice that created a distinct line between humans and "animals". This alienation is best illustrated by the commonly mistaken equivalence between the terms "human" and "person", as at least some nonhuman animals answer to many other HGDs. In this article I try to show that a rational and logical interpretation of these definitions’ nonhuman animals (at least some), should be regarded as persons and to suggest an approach to implement in the future.... view less
Keywords
animal; animal protection; law; human being; attitude
Classification
Ecology, Environment
Law
General Sociology, Basic Research, General Concepts and History of Sociology, Sociological Theories
Free Keywords
human-animal studies; sociology; anthrozoology; animal rights; speciesism; attitudes toward animals
Document language
English
Publication Year
2019
Page/Pages
p. 19-37
Journal
Society Register, 3 (2019) 3
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14746/sr.2019.3.3.02
ISSN
2544-5502
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed