Companion Species

In its incessant questioning of human exceptionalism, Haraway's 2008 book strikes me as an appropriate place to finish the reading portion of the class and turn, in earnest, to the writing portion. While I'd like to have you read the whole thing--or at least the entire handout distributed in class--focus your energy on pages 3-42 (skipping 27-30), and 77-82 (for a continuation of her discussion of Derrida from chapter 1).

You know the routine.

Animals and Ecophenomenology

While it might seem like Abram is getting a little loose with his terminology when he says mountains have thought, our goal this week is to take seriously his attempt to make sense of the phenomenal world, paying particular attention to his treatment of animals in this world.

As always, post your questions and answers in the comments section.

As a reminder, this week we'll have a visit from Ernestine Hayes to discuss indigenous perspectives, we'll work through Abram's account, and, with any luck, we'll return to Derrida for the last 60 minutes of the evening. You should also begin to formulate paper topics, as the April 22nd deadline is fast approaching.

kevin m.