From March 12th to 14th a conference on utopia and human-animal-relationship featuring presentations by several TSTR members took place in Münster. The event provided an interdisciplinary framework for experts from history, sociology, art, philosophy, and theology to come together and discuss the possibilities and limitations of utopias for animal ethics and human-animal studies.
As a starting point for the discussion, the biblical vision of peace between humans and animals (Isaiah 11) was used. Participants explored whether this utopia – as well as other utopias – can trigger real changes and what role they can play in shaping a better human-animal relationship. Some talks argued that utopias can provide important impulses for animal ethics and human-animal studies and explored how they can do so; others pointed to relevant critiques and limitations of utopian thinking. All in all, however, the discussions showed that researching utopias is a promising approach to better understanding and shaping the complex and multifaceted topic of the human-animal relationship.
By bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines, the conference facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and fostered a deeper understanding of the potential of utopias to inform and transform our relationships with animals.
For more information please visit the Conference Page.
The program is available here.
Copyright: Michal Schmidt
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