An Introduction to Animals and Political Theory

by Alasdair Cochrane

Overview

Structured around the five most important schools within contemporary political theory: liberalism, utilitarianism, communitarianism, Marxism and feminism, this is the first introductory level text to offer an accessible overview on the status of animals in contemporary political theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230239265
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/20/2010
Series:	The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series
Edition description:	2010
Pages:	167
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

ALASDAIR COCHRANE is Lecturer in Human Rights at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published on animal ethics, bioethics, human rights and environmental ethics in journals such as Political Studies, Utilitas, Bioethics and Res Publica.

Table of Contents

Series Preface vi

Acknowledgements viii

1 Introduction: Animals and Political Theory 1

2 Animals in the History of Political Thought 10

3 Utilitarianism and Animals 29

4 Liberalism and Animals 50

5 Communitarianism and Animals 72

6 Marxism and Animals 93

7 Feminism and Animals 115

8 Conclusions 136

Notes 147

Bibliography 157

Index 163

Editorial Reviews

"This book will be welcomed by all who are interested in the relationship between non-human animals and political theory, a relationship that has been underexplored by scholars. Highly recommended!" - Daniel A. Dombrowski, Seattle University, USA

"If only Cochrane had been writing when I was an undergraduate political science student! But this book's appeal will not be limited to students. This is one of the first comprehensive articulations of what mainstream political values might mean for animals - something the academic community has desperately needed for far too long. It's a great read and an important contribution. " - Siobhan O'Sullivan, University of Melbourne

"The joy of this book is the way in which Cochrane simplifies and synthesizes a hige and complex literature, whilst retaining high scholarly standards. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethical debate about how we ought to treat animals." - Robert Garner, University of Leicester, UK

"While the book is about non-human animals and political theory, the approach taken by Cochrane and the arguments he develops make the book a good introduction to political theory and some important debates within it whether readers are specifically interested in the moral standing of non-human animals or not...The book is recommended for readers interested both in the moral and political standing of animals and in political theory in general." - Steve Cooke, University of Manchester, Political Studies Review

From the Publisher