Following an introductory chapter on animal symbolism, Lawrence proceeds in subsequent chapters to describe the wren both as a biological entity and as the subject of numerous tales and legends, to delineate the details of the wren hunt ceremony and the various meanings ascribed to it, and, finally, to relate the ceremony to important contemporary issues in human-animal interactions and current attitudes toward the living environment. Whereas most other studies tend to concentrate solely on human perceptions of animals and fail to include the animal's role in the relationship. Lawrence' s approach shows how the participation of both animal and human determines the symbolic status of the animal-which in turn influences the treatment of that animal within a particular society. At a time when human destructiveness toward nature has reached tragic proportions, Lawrence contends, it is critical that we understand the processes by which certain cultural beliefs, in combination with observations about the natural history of a particular animal, result in emotional and mental responses that may ultimately determine the fate of that species. Central in late April, and Eastern in late December.
Papers are welcome on any topic concerning ethical issues affecting nonhuman animals.
The ethics and epistemology of animal research. Vegetarianism in religious traditions. Companion animals, paternalism, and community. The importance of animal issues in philosophy. The justifiability of Animal Liberation Front activities.