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Inteligencje: anielska, zwierzęca, ludzka
Intelligences: Angelic, Animal, Human

Author(s): Lorraine Daston
Subject(s): Anthropology
Published by: Instytut Sztuki Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: anthropology; animals; intelligence

Summary/Abstract: The article is a fascinating attempt at understanding and assessing contemporary forms of anthropomorphism in reference to animals. The author is not concerned with unambiguous criticism or with a holistic rejection of the discussed stand. On the one hand, she is interested in comprehending the unfazed force of its attraction in our reflections and, on the other hand, with describing the methodological taboo which renders it undesirable in the world of science. The delineations of mediaeval angelologists and post-Darwinian comparative psychologists correspond to this double objective owing to the intentional ambivalence present in both cases: anthropomorphism was practiced by desperate men aware of its threats and limitations but, at the same time, convinced that such a cognitive strategy is meaningful.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 163-174
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish