Relacje. W kierunku roboczej definicji przezroczystego terminu
Relations: Towards a Working Definition of a Transparent Term

Author(s): Justyna Włodarczyk
Subject(s): Anthropology, Epistemology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: relations; relationality; human-animal relations; animal studies
Summary/Abstract: This article investigates the concept of 'relations' as a central yet undertheorized term within human-animal studies. Despite its frequent appearance in titles and keywords of key publications, 'relations' often lacks a precise definition and is used intuitively or in opposition to other terms such as 'interactions' or 'relationships'. Drawing inspiration from Marilyn Strathern’s 'Relations: An Anthropological Account', the article undertakes a contextual and structuralist analysis of the term’s usage in animal studies, highlighting its semantic opacity and methodological implications. It distinguishes 'relations' from related concepts, emphasizing its broader, often symbolic and structural dimension, which allows for the theorization of interspecies dynamics beyond individual encounters. The article also reflects on the linguistic challenges of translating “relations” into Polish and explores the implications of framing human-animal connections through relational rather than interactional or affective lenses. The article advocates for a more precise, critical engagement with the term 'relations' to clarify its role in shaping the epistemological foundations of animal studies.

• Details
• Contents