Critter News

JUNE 16, 2010

If they are "only" animals, if they are beasts which abstract not, then my comparison is a piece of sentimental foolishness. Like other mammals, they are capable of strong emotions. These chimps are healthy and well-fed. But chimpanzees can abstract. They have certainly committed no crimes.

Animal 100

Animal Medical Research Apes Research 100

10,000 Birds

JUNE 2, 2015

Second, reading about birds courting and parenting brings out the tendency to identify, which leads directly to anthropomorphism, the tendency to assign birds human emotions and thoughts. Of course, Sibley’s is comprehensive and Into the Nest is selective, the comparison is a little like comparing apples and oranges.

Eggs 263

Eggs Family 2006 New York 263

Animal Person

JULY 3, 2009

Regarding accusations of anthropomorphism (which arise frequently and did in Bekoff's previous book, as well) and also evolutionary continuity, which provides for symmetry in comparisons, the authors write: "It isn't that we set out looking for humanlike traits in animals and hope to find some.

Morals 100

Morals Mammals Humane Emotional 100