Adam's Task
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Adam’s Task: Calling Animals by Name by philosopher, poet, and animal trainer Vicki Hearne describes a metaphysical approach to training animals.[1] In it, Hearne asserts that animals (specifically those that commonly cohabit or interact with humans) are more intelligent than assumed on average. She further asserts that they are capable of developing an understanding of “the good,” a moral code that influences their motives and actions.
Adam's Task focuses on the complexities of human-animal communication and the stated importance of seeing domestic as more than anthropomorphized creatures. Some of the training methods described in the book have drawn criticism from various factions of animal activists.[citation needed] In response to these criticisms, Hearne stated that she is striving for intellectual and moral integrity in all of her studies, and many of Hearne's defenders state that her love for animals speaks in her defense.[citation needed]
Reception[]
The Boston Globe called Adam’s Task “A beautiful, wonderful book of the sort that permanently refreshes thought and feeling.” The New York Times says “When Ms. Hearne relates a dog or horse story, the animals become full-fledged characters, as brightly delineated as people created by Dickens or Twain.”[2]
Adam's Task was first published by Knopf in 1986. It is now available from Skyhorse Publishing with a new introduction by Donald McCaig.
References[]
- ^ Mershon, Katharine (2019). "The Theology of Dog Training in Vicki Hearne's Adam's Task". Religions. 10 (1): 25. doi:10.3390/rel10010025.
- ^ Kakutani, Michiko (August 16, 1986). "Books of the Times; Not So Dumb Animals". The New York Times.
- 1986 non-fiction books
- Animal communication
- Zoology book stubs