In her PhD in Philosophy, Claire Hamlett explores the idea of animal homes. As a freelance journalist, Claire had been interested to read Wildlife as Property Owners (2020) by Karen Bradshaw, which discussed how animal habitats could be protected in law. Claire decided to take the subject further by embarking on a PhD to see how far those ideas could be extended by thinking of animals as living not simply on territories or building shelters but creating homes. Animals don’t need to be able to explain their reasons for what they are doing, Claire says, but they clearly have agency. In this show, Charles enjoys a wide-ranging discussion with Claire about animal rights, human responsibilities and the pair of jackdaws in her neighbour’s chimney.
Chapters
00.50 Claire’s work in journalism
03.10 The difference between ‘where animals live’ and ‘animal homes’
05.43 What would be the effect of thinking of ‘homes’ for animals?
07.56 Animal agency
10.58 How to avoid anthropomorphising animals
13.09 Should all animals be treated with equal respect?
15.58 Implications for zoos
18.02 Claire’s practical investigations of animal homes
19.20 The jackdaws next door
The Roey Grad Podcast is a presentation of the University of Roehampton’s Graduate School.
Our theme music is by DiamondTunes
Our hosts are two PhD students at Roehampton, Charles Miller and Will Berard, who also edits and mixes the podcast. It was produced by Aaliyah Hassan.
Comments, questions, want to appear on the show? Get in touch at graduateschool@roehampton.ac.uk
