Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in subsequent chapters of this book. The book contains use Asian perspectives to explore crucial ontological, ethical, and political questions concerning the nonhuman animal world and ethical engagements with other animals. It book provides brief descriptions of major themes, doctrines, and practices that influence human and nonhuman animal relationships in some of the major Asian traditions. Asian philosophical doctrines concerning compassion and nonviolence as these apply to nonhuman animals; humanism and post humanism in Asian traditions; the moral rights and status of nonhuman animals in Asian traditions. Mario Wennings Heidegger and Zhuangzi on the nonhuman: towards a transcultural critique of humanism is one of the comparative chapters, offering a comparative study of German philosopher Martin Heidegger and Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi. Finally this book overviews South Asian and East Asian philosophical and religious approaches to nonhuman animals, as well as overviews specific to, Hinduism, Jainism, Confucianism, and Daoism.