Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone - by Fritz Allhoff & Nathan Kowalsky (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone presents a collection of readings from academics and non-academics alike that move beyond the ethical justification of hunting to investigate less traditional topics and offer fresh perspectives on why we hunt.

• The only recent book to explicitly examine the philosophical issues surrounding hunting
• Shatters many of the stereotypes about hunting, forcing us to rethink the topic
• Features contributions from a wide range of academic and non-academic sources, including both hunters and non-hunters

From the Back Cover

HUNTING
PHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE

Hunting has been a cornerstone in the artistic, religious, and philosophical traditions of countless cultures throughout history - in fact, it is older than civilization itself. Yet few pursuits continue to be as controversial as hunting, for it strikes at the very core of such fundamental questions as death, embodiment, non-human life, and morality. Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone presents a thought-provoking collection of new essays from across the academic and non-academic spectrum that move far beyond familiar arguments and debates about hunting. This philosophically stimulating book provides fresh perspectives on a variety of topics, including:

• Issues relating to the ethics of hunting
• The experiences and perspectives of the hunter
• The relationship of hunting to nature and human nature
• Hunting in culture, politics, and tradition

Hot on the trail of one of the most controversial issues in contemporary society, Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone is a stereotype-shattering volume that invites us to think deeply about what it means to be human.

Review Quotes

"Kowalsky's book does a fine job in showing why there are good reasons to keep hunting in high esteem, to learn a great deal from it about human biology and culture, and to eat hunted meat." (About.com, 25 October 2011)

"Recommended. Academic and general library collections, all levels." (Choice, 1 March 2011)

"If you don't mind having your convictions challenged or your viewpoint broadened this book should be on your reading list." (Alberta Outdoorsmen, 1 May 2011)

"Just as you always see something new, even if you've walked that forest a hundred times before, certain essays can give you a glimpse of something you hadn't seen or thought of before. Some of the essays are even down-right fun to read." (Primitive Archer Magazine, January 2011)"Nathan Kowalsky provides a forum of diverse ideas and voices about "hunting" that ensemble, becomes the most recent attempt that I am aware of at showcasing serious writers on the "topic." Most of these essays are written with an intelligent audience in mind, although the reader need not be a philosopher."( The Trumpeter, 1 December 2010)

"It does provide fresh perspectives by both academic and non academic authors on a variety of hunting topics such as hunting in culture, politics and tradition; the relationship of hunting to nature and human nature and the hoary old topic of hunting ethics... In my opinion, I found it the most refreshing book of its kind that I have read in years." (AFRICAN INDABA, November 2008)

"Presenting all these diverse views in one relatively small book, a mere 258 pages, is a vision implemented, without which, most readers invested in learning more about hunting, would sorely miss if they knew their want". (Book Review, 1 December 2010).

There's a really fine essay by the biologist Valerius Geist on how hunting has played a significant role in human development. Kay, my wife, contributed an essay on bow-hunting with self-made equipment. There are other essays on the human-animal relationship, even a few comparing hunting to vegetarianism. Lots of other provocative pieces." (Leather Wall, September 2010)

"If you're interested in sharpening your thinking skills on the subject of hunting, I've got a great new book for you: Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone: In Search of the Wild Life." (NorCal Cazadora, October 2010)

"Featuring contributions from a wide range of academic and non-academic sources, including both hunters and nonhunters, this book is for general readers, especially those who hunt ("Hunting for Meaning: A Glimpse of the Game"), as well as self-professed "foodies" and vegetarians." (Fishing and Outdoors Newspaper, October 2010)

About the Author

Editor
NATHAN KOWALSKY is Assistant Professor of Philosophy, St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta.

Series Editor
FRITZ ALLHOFF is an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department at Western Michigan University, as well as a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University's Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics.