mark rowlands the philosopher and the wolf

This book is part a loving recount of an 11 year relationship with Brenin, but, as importantly, a reflection on what it is to be human – or, as Rowlands, in disgust puts it ‘ape’ or ‘simian’, by contrast with what it means to be a lupine, vulpine or canine animal. The ability to drink a couple of litres of spirit in agonised despair on one particular, heartbreaking night, as he recounts, is clear evidence of hardened heavy drinking. Rowlands was, as he admits, on one level quite a troubled individual – misanthropic, intensely reflective but not particularly comfortable with himself or other members of his own species, and veering into a relationship, far less instructive and elevating than his relationship with a wolf or part wolf part dog – with the bottle. No specialist knowledge is required.This story of the relationship between Dr of Philosophy Mark Rowlands, and a wolf he bought as a cub, whilst a very young lecturer in Arizona in the 1990s, is fascinating, touching, meditative, troubled, thought provoking and as heartbreaking at times as it is amusing at others. IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. whether examples of animal compassion stand up to scrutiny.Īs part of the course there are in-video quiz questions to consolidate your learning, suggested further readings to stimulate a deeper exploration of the topic, discussion boards to have your say and an end-of-course assessment set by Professor Rowlands.when we can classify beings as moral agents, subjects and patients.

why the legacy of Descartes has misled philosophers.the arguments for and against animal consciousness, belief, emotion and agency.

Might the differences between us be less significant than we like to think?īy the end of the course, you will have learned:

What are humans doing when we act morally? Can animals act morally? In this course, Professor Mark Rowlands draws on his unique experience of a decade spent living with a wolf to uncover the flaws in the study of animal morality and examines the relationship between humans and other animals in the modern world.

Mark rowlands the philosopher and the wolf