A1 Journal article (refereed)
Political animality (2024)

Toivanen, J. (2024). Political animality. Southern Journal of Philosophy, 62(4), 403-420. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjp.12557

JYU authors or editors

Toivanen, Juhana

Publication details

All authors or editors: Toivanen, Juhana

Journal or series: Southern Journal of Philosophy

ISSN: 0038-4283

eISSN: 2041-6962

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 03/03/2024

Volume: 62

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 403-420

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sjp.12557

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93822

Abstract

This essay contributes to contemporary discussions concerning so-called animal politics by drawing from the history of the notion of political animal. Two different historical meanings of the notion are identified: (1) normative political animality that is intrinsically linked with rationality, language, and justice; (2) biological political animality that focuses on collaboration for the sake of a common aim. The former is applicable only to human beings, while the latter can also be used in relation to other animals. After briefly discussing the Aristotelian background of the notion, the essay argues that in medieval Aristotelian tradition, the normative meaning prevailed and the biological one was set aside. However, it is precisely the biological notion that appears useful today. The essay suggests several ways in which it might benefit contemporary theoretical discussions concerning animals, thus laying ground for further developments in animal politics.

Keywords: Medieval philosophy; Aristotelianism; human-animal relationship; social behaviour; political behaviour; social philosophy; political philosophy