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Press Release: Launch of “The Ethics of Fur” the first multidisciplinary book to address the subject
31st October 2023
The new book The Ethics of Fur edited by Professor Andrew Linzey and Dr Clair Linzey, Directors of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, is the first multidisciplinary book that addresses this “urgent” issue of animal protection.
The purpose of the volume is to open-up and advance further the ethical, political, and -specifically – legislative endeavours now moving at pace and to encourage the anti-fur movement.
There is much to learn from this book about the history, culture, and political arguments for and against fur that should interest scholars and students, as well as those engaged on either side of the debate. It is not common for academics to engage with pressing and contentious moral issues, but this is precisely where the eighteen contributors to The Ethics of Fur lead the way.
The Ethics of Fur is divided into three parts. The first addresses the historical and religious perspectives, including opposition that the fur trade has received from as long ago as the 17th Century, plus the 19th Century boycott against feathered hats. It also discusses subjects such as the use of fur in clerical robes. Part two of the book explores ethical and cultural perspectives, including how Disney and pop music have influenced attitudes to fur. Part three looks at political and legal issues.
Co-editor Clair Linzey says: “Whatever might have been true of the past, the production of fur is now morally problematic in terms of both necessity and suffering. There is no necessity in killing animals for nonessential purposes, such as adornment, fashion, or vanity. The argument for utility simply doesn’t hold up. Alternative clothing is now readily available, enduring, and less costly. Worse still, since we know that the animals exploited are sentient, causing them suffering or making them liable to suffering is arguably, intrinsically wrong.”
Dr Liz Tyson of Born Free USA describes The Ethics of Fur as “An important book exploring the moral and ethical questions behind human society’s exploitation of animals for their fur. Informative and challenging, this book pulls no punches and provides a comprehensive overview of the fur trade’s history, present, and future. There is still work to be done to end the use of animals for their skins, but progress has been made by dedicated advocates over many decades. This book makes a valuable contribution to the urgent debate on fur and presents vital arguments in favour of the protection of animals from this archaic and cruel practice. I applaud the authors on this ambitious work.”
The Ethics of Fur is published by Lexington Books.
RRP: Hardback £85.00 / eBook £35.00
For more information and to order the book see here.
EDITOR’S NOTES:
Dr Clair Linzey is available for interview/comment.
Illustrative images, including the book cover and editors can be accessed here.
For media enquiries please contact Sophie at Panpathic Communications Sophie@panpathic.com / 07815 860 082
ABOUT THE OXFORD CENTRE FOR ANIMAL ETHICS
The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is an independent centre devoted to pioneering ethical perspectives on animals through research, teaching, and publication.
Professor Andrew Linzey and Dr Clair Linzey are Directors of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Previously published work includes, Animal Ethics for Veterinarians (University of Illinois Press), Ethical Vegetarianism and Veganism (Routledge), The Ethical Case against Animal Experiments (University of Illinois Press), The Palgrave Handbook of Practical Animal Ethics (Palgrave Macmillan), and The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics (Routledge).