Animals And Science

Animals and Science examines what science has (and has not) taught us about the nature of nonhuman animals and explores the moral, religious, social, and scientific implications of those teachings. It shows how the scientific study of animals, especially their cognitive abilities, has transformed our understanding of them. Animals and Science traces our evolving understanding of animal pain and considers its moral relevance to humans. It discusses Darwin's belief-shattering notion that species differences are not absolute, then traces its impact to the present day.

Ultimately, Animals and Science is about the nature of science—the kinds of questions science can and cannot answer, and the role of theory in shaping the interpretation of evidence.

Animals and Science examines the debates, from the Renaissance to the present, surrounding issues of animal rights, consciousness, and self-awareness.

Booknews

Shanks (philosophy and biological sciences, East Tennessee State U.) ponders the similarities and differences between humans and other animals that reflect their relative places in nature, and are relevant to a rational discussion of how humans should treat their fellow creatures. His discussion, he points out, is as much about the nature of science and its implications for broader moral questions than about animals themselves. He looks at Medieval and Renaissance legacies, the odds of intelligent design, animal pain and consciousness, Darwin, and other topics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)\