Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics

This pioneering volume redefines anthrozoology – the multidisciplinary study of human-animal interactions - through the lens of symbiotic ethics.Developed by the Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics (ASE) working group, the book explores the ethical dimensions of multispecies interactions, emphasizing their practical relevance for contemporary life. It challenges traditional approaches to anthrozoology by foregrounding empathy, care, and ethical responsibility in multispecies entanglements. The volume features diverse case studies that address critical topics such as animal-assisted interventions, animal nutrition, wildlife suffering, ethical filmmaking, caring for animals, advocacy and activism, and the practicalities of doing ethically motivated and grounded empirical work with and for other animals. The chapters combine theoretical insights with novel empirical research to offer a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human-animal interactions which take place between individuals with unique biographies and experiences, and are grounded in specific ontological and epistemological, as well as socio-cultural, environmental, historical, and geographical contexts. The volume provides an inspirational blueprint for anyone who cares about other animals and the natural world, and who wants to live and work with those nonhuman beings and entities in a more equitable manner.Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics will be of particular relevance for students and researchers of human-animal studies, animal and environmental ethics, environmental and veterinary humanities, critical animal studies, anthropology, morethanhuman geography and other related disciplines. It will also benefit professionals and practitioners working directly in animal welfare, rescue, advocacy, conservation, veterinary and other related fields.

Samantha Hurn is Programme Director for Anthrozoology and Director of the Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics (ASE) working group at the University of Exeter. Her work challenges notions of human exceptionalism, facilitating perceptual and behaviour change, and informing policy. Her book Humans and Other Animals is a core anthrozoological text. Alexander Badman-King is a philosopher who writes about the moral understanding disclosed through living closely with other creatures, drawing ancient ideas of wisdom into the ordinary company of animals and the living world. He teaches philosophy and anthrozoology at the University of Exeter and wrote Living-With Wisdom. Jessica Gröling is an anthrozoologist and animal criminologist whose primary research interests are united by the theme of transgression: transgressive other-than-human animals and humans whose transgressive actions harm or advocate for other animals. She is particularly interested in neglected animals and prioritises collaborative and impact-focused research. Fenella Eason researched childhood abuse of nonhuman animals in her B.Psychology (Co.). Her PhD in Anthrozoology at the University of Exeter related to symbiotic ethics of care and reciprocity between medical detection dogs and humans with chronic illness who shared their proximal relationships over lifetimes (Human-Canine Collaboration in Care: Doing Diabetes, 2019, Routledge).