Hidden Brain Our Animal Instincts
Jun 17, 2019
Hal Herzog, a psychology professor at Western Carolina University, dives into the fascinating contradictions of our relationships with animals. He explores why we cherish pets while also consuming other animals, highlighting the ethical and emotional dilemmas this poses. Herzog shares cultural insights, contrasting American pet ownership with perspectives from Kenya. The discussion further uncovers the complexities of labeling animals and the societal expectations that shape our views, prompting listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and responsibilities toward animal welfare.
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Pet Versus Pest Funeral
- Hal Herzog held a funeral for his pet mouse to teach his children about death.
- He later killed a pest mouse with a trap and disposed of it, showing two different psychological categories.
Rumor That Sparked A Moral Thought Experiment
- Hal Herzog fielded a rumor that he rescued kittens from a shelter to feed them to his boa constrictor.
- The rumor prompted him to test a moral thought experiment about feeding live mice versus dead kittens.
Freeing A Pet Bird Went Wrong
- Jim Thompson became an animal-rights activist and freed his pet cockatiel from its cage.
- He admitted the release probably killed the bird and that he acted more for himself than for the bird.
