The ANIMALS AND US Course at the Schumacher College 18.-22. 06. 2012 is open for bookings.

Teachers: Jonathan Balcombe (videolink), Marc Bekoff (videolink), Richard Ryder, Rachel Hevesi and Satish Kumar

From www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/animals-and-us:

New research shows that animals have very rich cognitive lives. They are smart, emotional and have moral sentiments. What does this new evidence mean in terms of animal ethics, rights and welfare? How do we adjust our attitudes towards other animals from an individual and societal perspective? And what can we learn about our own species, struggling to move to a more sustainable future?

To investigate the history of our relationship with other animals from the days of cave painting through Ancient Egypt, the development of the great religions, the impact of the Black Death and the Renaissance, to the Enlightenment, the Victorians and the Animal Rights Movement of the twentieth century.

To gain new insights into the depth and range of experience that other animals have, and what these findings means in terms of our relationship with, and treatment of, non-human species.

To consider what we might learn from other animals in terms of compassion, simplicity, friendship and survival in a finite world.

To reflect on how you can join a growing social movement that recognises the rights of non-human animals and make simple changes in your daily and societal lives to bring about change.

“This course will allow you to expand your ‘compassion footprint’ and begin to re-wild your heart. It is a brilliant opportunity for non-scientists to learn about new advances in science which will eventually bring animals back into the fold.” Marc Bekoff

Black Flying Fox in rehabilitation in the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia