Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights, co-authored by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka, challenges traditional views on animal rights. It introduces the concept of 'zoopolis,' a political community encompassing both humans and animals. The book argues for both intrinsic rights, protecting animals from harm, and membership rights, granting animals certain rights within society. It explores the complexities of human-animal relationships and proposes a framework for more just and equitable interactions. The authors advocate for moving beyond the property/personhood debate and consider alternative legal statuses for animals. Zoopolis offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of animal rights, urging a fundamental shift in how we view and interact with animals.
Animals and the Law by Lesli Bisgould provides a comprehensive overview of animal law in Canada. The book examines the legal status of animals, exploring their classification as property and the limitations this places on their protection. Bisgould analyzes the effectiveness of anti-cruelty laws and highlights the challenges in achieving meaningful animal rights. The book critically assesses the current legal framework and suggests potential avenues for reform. It serves as a valuable resource for legal scholars, animal rights advocates, and anyone interested in the intersection of law and animal welfare.
Claudia talks to Will Kymlicka about the concept of Animal Rights and how it pertains to the law. They touch on what the relationship is between law and ethics and what this means for scholarship in ‘The Animal Turn’. This episode opens-up the first season of the podcast, focusing on Animals and the Law.
Guest: Will Kymlicka is the Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen’s University, where he has taught since 1998. He has published eight books and over 200 articles, which have been translated into 34 languages. His books include Contemporary Political Philosophy (1990; second edition 2002), Multicultural Citizenship (1995), Multicultural Odysseys: Navigating the New International Politics of Diversity (2007), and most recently Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights (2011), co-authored with Sue Donaldson. He was awarded the 2019 Gold Medal from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Host: Claudia Hirtenfelder is a PhD Candidate in Geography and Planning at Queen’s University and is currently undertaking her own research project that looks at the historical relationships between animals and cities.
Featured readings: Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights written by Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka; Animals and the Law by Lesli Bisgould; Social Membership: Animal Law Beyond the Property/Personhood Impasse by Will Kymlicka
Bed Music created by Gordon Clarke (Instagram: @con_sol_ )
Podcast Logo created by Jeremy John (Website)
Sponsored by Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics – A.P.P.L.E (Website)
A.P.P.L.EAnimals in Politics, Law, and Ethics researches how we live in interspecies societies and polities.
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The Animal Turn is hosted and produced by Claudia Hirtenfelder and is part of the iROAR Network. Learn more on our website.
The Animal Turn 