The nonhuman turn

Definition

The nonhuman turn refers to a shift in contemporary thought that emphasizes the agency and significance of nonhuman entities, including animals, plants, and technology, in relation to human experiences and societal structures. This perspective challenges traditional anthropocentrism, which prioritizes human beings as the central focus of inquiry and value, and instead advocates for recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the environments they inhabit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The nonhuman turn is rooted in various disciplines, including philosophy, ecology, and cultural studies, as scholars seek to address environmental crises and ethical considerations regarding nonhuman life.
2. This shift has led to the emergence of animal studies, which examine the ways in which animals are represented in literature and culture while advocating for their rights and recognition.
3. By challenging anthropocentric views, the nonhuman turn encourages a more equitable consideration of nonhuman voices in discussions about agency, ethics, and existence.
4. The nonhuman turn also highlights the impact of technology on human and nonhuman relationships, questioning how advancements shape our understanding of what it means to be 'alive' or 'sentient.'
5. Through this framework, scholars emphasize the importance of recognizing the emotional, social, and political dimensions of nonhuman lives as integral to understanding our shared world.

Review Questions

• How does the nonhuman turn challenge traditional views of human superiority in literature?
  • The nonhuman turn challenges traditional views by highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms and asserting that nonhumans possess their own forms of agency and significance. This perspective encourages readers to reevaluate narratives that prioritize human experiences while neglecting or diminishing the roles of animals, plants, and other entities. By centering nonhuman voices, literature can reveal deeper ethical implications regarding our relationships with the natural world.
• Discuss how the nonhuman turn influences contemporary animal studies within literary analysis.
  • The nonhuman turn significantly influences contemporary animal studies by promoting an interdisciplinary approach that examines representation, rights, and ethical considerations regarding animals in literature. It encourages scholars to analyze texts not only for their portrayal of animals but also for how these portrayals reflect broader societal attitudes toward speciesism and exploitation. This analysis can lead to greater awareness about animal rights and provoke critical discussions about humanity's responsibilities toward nonhuman beings.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the nonhuman turn on environmental ethics and its impact on societal norms.
  • The nonhuman turn has profound implications for environmental ethics as it compels society to reconsider its relationship with nature beyond mere exploitation. By emphasizing the intrinsic value of nonhuman lives and ecosystems, this shift fosters a more inclusive ethical framework that values interdependence among all beings. This evolving perspective can challenge existing societal norms about consumption, conservation, and animal rights, ultimately inspiring more sustainable practices and policies that honor both human and nonhuman welfare.

Related terms

Anthropocentrism: A worldview that places humans at the center of moral and ethical considerations, often leading to the devaluation of nonhuman entities.

Posthumanism: A philosophical perspective that critiques the limitations of humanism, advocating for an understanding of existence that transcends human-centered frameworks.

Ecocriticism:

A critical approach that explores the relationship between literature and the environment, focusing on how texts reflect and shape our understanding of nature and nonhuman entities.