ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on humans’ dichotomous positions on animals from historical and contemporary perspectives. On the one hand, we have shown appalling disregard for the welfare of animals, as evident through fear and hatred for animals as a function of both evolution and culture. On the other hand, we have a strong tendency for empathy and compassion. We venerate animals through totems, religion, various practices, and through the enactment of laws specifically designed to protect animals. This veneration surfaces because of an inherent love of nature expressed through the concept of biophilia, which has evolutionary origins. The section concludes with a discussion on contemporary expressions of animals in art, books, and media. There is recognition that the treatment of animals differs between cultures, and this is reflected in different systems of beliefs, values, and customs and associated moral significance of different animals or animals in general.
