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Photo of an adult chimpanzee sitting with a young chimp in a forest setting with dappled sunlight in the background.

Animals

idea

Chimpanzees correct cultural biases about how good mothers behave

A philosopher observes chimpanzee mothers and their infants interact, realising how cultural our ideals of motherhood are

by Maria Botero

Photo of two ravens perched on a railing at the Tower of London with blurred tourists in the background.

Animals

idea

A basic sense of numbers is shared by countless creatures

Birds, bees, cats and other animals have an ability to use numbers. How can this help us understand people with dyscalculia?

by Brian Butterworth

Photo of people silhouetted against a blue aquarium tank watching a beluga whale swim towards them.

Animals

idea

Human exceptionalism imposes horrible costs on other animals

We owe it to other animals and to ourselves to resist human exceptionalism. Accepting their inner lives is the first step

by Barbara J King

Illustration of a courtroom with animals as participants, a lion as the judge, and various creatures in the jury box.

Animals

idea

What our use of animal-based slurs and endearments says about us

The image of the adorable kitten and the insult of calling someone a ‘pussy’ have more in common than you might realise

by David Egan

Photo of an earthworm on rough grey asphalt surface with visible texture and sunlight casting shadows.

Bioethics

idea

Why, in a universe of pain, I’m saving stranded earthworms

Any action can seem futile amid so much suffering. I’ve realised the important thing is to stop despairing and do something

by Claire E Schultz

Illustration of a medieval trial with a sow and piglets in court, featuring people in robes and a judge in the background.

Animals

idea

If animals are persons, should they bear criminal responsibility?

Were medieval trials of animal criminals not a sign of backwardness, but in fact strangely progressive?

by Ed Simon

Photo of a grey whale surfacing near a small boat with people observing on a calm sea under a clear sky.

Nature and the environment

idea

Grey whales taught me how to mother, how to endure, how to live

When I was in crisis, grey whales taught me how to mother and how to endure, till I could find my own paths through change

by Doreen Cunningham

Photo of a chick facing a blue screen with white squares arranged randomly, resembling stars in the sky.

Knowledge and reason

idea

Babies and chicks help solve one of psychology’s oldest puzzles

From the beginning of life, both humans and other species can grasp important characteristics of the world around them

by Giorgio Vallortigara

Photo of a green hummingbird with a red bill in flight against a blurred green background.

Nature and the environment

idea

A vast, thrilling world of nature unfolds outside of human time

Human life might stretch over decades, but the lifespans of many other organisms on this pale blue dot leave us in the dust

by Nicholas P Money

A yellow bird singing on a branch with a soft-focus green background.

Animals

idea

Learn to tune into birdsong – respite and fascination await

Listening deeply to the sounds of birds is a powerful form of meditation and a first step towards a rewarding new hobby

by David M Logue

An otter rolling on a moss-covered rock, eyes closed in a relaxed pose with a blurry background.

Animals

idea

You can think like an animal by silencing your chattering brain

The desire is partly whimsical, but a brief shapeshift across the taxonomic gulf could help us better empathise with animals

by Bryony Tolhurst

Photo of a monkey in a metal cage looking back at the viewer with a neutral expression.

Animals

idea

My cancer scars map the pain of animals held in research labs

The scars on my body are a constant reminder of why I’ve turned from scholarship on animals to agitating for animals

by Barbara J King