In this conversation, animal behaviourist Justin Gregg talk through the many facets of our species' tendency to attribute human qualities to animals and things, as well as the opposite, to deny human qualities to classes of fellow humans. Our conversation ranges over enthusiasm for dolphin midwives, cuddly sharks and alligators and the difference between dogs and wolves. We talk about the possible effects of giving storms female names, 'companion cubes', using animals in marketing and why cartoon animal violence feels OK. Our desire to put intentions and humanish causation on the universe may explain aspects of religion a tendency even more obvious in animistic religions (Japan is the most anthropomorphising country). We also talk about the effect of not anthropomorphising, dehumanising, other humans, facilitating war and genocide. After a brief chat about Covid ghosts and a trip down the 'uncanny valley', Justin concludes by reading the closing paragraphs of his book. A terrific conversation based on a very readable and illuminating book.
Participants:
Justin Gregg is professor of biology at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. https://www.justingregg.com/
Ken Barrett is an artist, writer and former neuropsychiatrist http://www.kenbarrettstudio.co.uk/
Justin's books: https://www.justingregg.com/books
Musical extract: Prelude from Act 1 of Brainland, composed by Stephen Brown.
Brainland the opera website: www.brainlandtheopera.co.uk
Instagram: #brainlandcollective
Sketch by KB
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