Dipika Nath (Women Studies)

Andrew Light (Philosophy)

Matthew Walton (Political Science)

Lawrence Cushnie (Political Science)

We invite graduate students and faculty from across the UW campuses to join the research cluster. Graduate students can enroll for 2 credits per quarter with Andrew Light (Philosophy and Public Affairs). Students are not required to sign up for all three quarters, although that would be desirable. 

Those interested in joining this research cluster should contact Dipika Nath (Women Studies).

Please provide a brief bio and statement of interest. We welcome any questions or requests for a copy of the proposal.

This year-long interdisciplinary research cluster explores questions about the physical and figurative place of animals in society, examining both the material treatment and symbolic and ethical status of nonhuman animals. It strives to link intellectual work in the academy on the question of animals to local, regional, and global animal discourses and practices. As an interdisciplinary project we envision the discussions to be enlivened by perspectives from diverse disciplinary backgrounds each providing a unique and challenging perspective on these issues.

The group will meet every other week as a reading and working group to develop a shared understanding of the  literature on animal studies. After a visit from a leading international scholar in animal ethics we will collectively identify a local public issue concerning animal wellbeing, and the various constituents who have a stake in the issue, and then develop a public dialogue among these stakeholders. The group will also organize guest lectures as well as public panel discussions on the issue in question and ultimately develop a position paper that will bring together the different components explored through the year.

Download reading list (pdf)

Clare Palmer (Philosophy, Washington University)

February 1, 2008, 4:00 pm
Communications 120

Panel on Elephants
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
6:00 pm
Johnson 102

Download flyer (pdf)

Over the past few years, several controversies have arisen concerning the keeping of elephants in zoos in North America, including in Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo.

This event features a discussion by local and global experts on the subject, including zoo officials and animal welfare advocates.

Panelists are Bruce Bohmke (Deputy Director, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle), Jennifer Convy (Wildlife Director, Progressive Animal Welfare Society, Seattle), Gary Varner (Philosophy, Texas A&M University), and Samuel Wasser (Director, Center for Conservation Biology, University of Washington).