ABSTRACT
In this chapter I introduce the hermeneutico-ethical figure of the benevolent interpreter. In its classical version this figure is concerned with human versions of otherness (other selves and/or their products and expressions, such as texts). It is important, however, to be open to benevolent interpretations of non-human versions of otherness. I will focus on animal being. In the following I propose, in the context of a benevolent interpretation, the idea of ‘animal excellence’. I will take excellence in a broad way, not at all as identical with virtues and vices (which are typically human). Excellence is best associated with an original and successful way of being.
