TALKS
The first step in wisdom
is to know the other.
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- Carl Safina
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explore & reflect
Thought-Provoking Conversations: Rethinking Our Relationship with Other Species
Explore an ongoing collection of thought-provoking conversations, including online or in-person talks that invite reflection on speciesism, animal minds, ethics, empathy, and our relationship with the natural world.​​
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Are you hosting a talk, webinar or discussion
related to these topics?
​ Or do you know of an interesting upcoming talk?
Let us know here.
RECOMMENDED tALKS
PETER SINGER - A Modern Argument for the Rights of Animals
Recommended starting point
Philosopher Peter Singer introduces the concept of speciesism and challenges us to examine why the interests of humans are often considered more important than those of other animals.
This thought-provoking talk asks us to consider whether species membership alone should determine how we treat another being.
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Themes:
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Speciesism
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Ethics
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Moral consideration
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Animal rights
TED Talk – A Modern Argument for the Rights of Animals
FRANZ DE WAAL - Moral Behaviour in Animals
Primatologist Frans de Waal explores empathy, cooperation, fairness and social behaviour in other animals.
His work challenges the idea that morality is uniquely human and encourages us to reconsider how we understand intelligence and emotions across species.
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Themes:
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Animal behaviour
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Empathy
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Evolution
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Human nature
TED Talk – Moral Behaviour in Animals
CARL SAFINA - What Are Animals Thinking and Feeling?
Ecologist and author Carl Safina explores the emotional and mental lives of animals, asking us to look beyond human assumptions about intelligence and awareness.
This talk invites us to see animals not only as species, but as individuals with their own experiences and perspectives.
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Themes:
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Animal consciousness
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Emotions
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Intelligence
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Connection with nature
MARC BEKOFF - Compassionate Conservation
Biologist and author Marc Bekoff explores the emotional lives of animals and the importance of compassion in conservation.
His work challenges traditional ideas about human dominance over nature and encourages a relationship with wildlife based on respect and understanding.
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Themes:
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Compassion
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Animal emotions
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Conservation ethics
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Human–animal relationships
JANE GOODALL - Our Relationship With the Natural World
Jane Goodall's lifelong work with chimpanzees transformed how we understand animals and our place within nature.
Her talks explore humanity's responsibility towards other species and the importance of hope, respect and action.
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Themes:
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Conservation
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Human responsibility
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Connection with nature
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Hope
Why These Conversations Matter
Throughout history, humans have often placed themselves apart from the rest of the natural world.
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These conversations encourage us to reflect on the assumptions that shape our decisions:
Who do we choose to protect?
Who do we choose to understand?
Whose experiences do we value?
By learning from philosophy, science and lived experience, we can develop a deeper understanding of other species and our shared place on Earth.