Thinking with Animals: New Perspectives on Anthropomorphism

In Thinking with Animals, prominent scholars in the fields of anthropology, ethology, history, and philosophy, as well as filmmakers and photographers, take a closer look at how anthropomorphism has transformed humans and animals alike. Essays investigate the changing patterns of anthropomorphism across different time periods and their transformative effects. Examining how anthropomorphic thinking "works" in a range of different contexts, contributors reveal the ways in which anthropomorphism is remarkably useful in promoting good health and spirits, enlisting support in political causes, selling products across boundaries of culture or nationality, crystallizing social values, and in holding up a philosophical mirror to the human predicament.

Lorraine Daston is director at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science and honorary professor at the Humboldt-Universität, Berlin.

Gregg Mitman is William Coleman Professor of the History of Science and professor of medical history and science and technology studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.