Katharina Blesch interviews Prof. Dr. Marc Bekoff
Marc Bekoff is one of the leading behavioral-scientists. As ethologist he illustrates the emotional lives of animals and makes it an issue of scientific and public discussion. His work contributes to the better understanding of animals as our fellow beings and is, hence, of major importance for animal ethics.
Blesch: At what point in your life did you understand that you want to become an ethologist and work together with animals?
Bekoff: When I was a young child – my parents told me I always asked what animals were thinking and what they were feeling.
Blesch: What is the biggest mistake humans commit in the relation with other animals? Is our way of watching and describing them too rational, i.e. lacking of sympathy and emotions, or too irrational, i.e. a result of speciecism?
Bekoff: Many people are too concerned with being objective, which of course they cannot be – it’s just finde to be anthropomorphic as long as we are careful and remember to take into the account the animal’s point of view, something that we can do very well if we take the time to learn about their lives.
Blesch: What do you believe has a greater impact on the way we treat non-human animals: philosophy and animal ethics or natural sciences?
Bekoff: I think they’re all important but what counts is people getting out and being proactive and compassionate activists – it’s a waste of time to sit around and talk and talk and talk and do nothing – action is critical, indifference is deadly for animals and for earth.
Blesch: In your opinion, will we ever come to the point to fully understand the actions and feelings of other animals?
Bekoff: No, but that is OK because each and every day we are learning more and more about animal emotions – and animals tell us what they feel – their actions are public and not all that private – we know more than we often realize.
Blesch: Do you believe that one day human and non-human animals can co-exist peacefully and equally next to each other?
Bekoff: I hope so – but it will take a lot of hard work by very dedicated people – fortunately, there are many people who are doing the hard work so that we are coming closer to more harmonious existence – but I don’t think we will ever reach equality because there are too many anthropocentric selfish humans who think they are superior to other animals.
Blesch: You are a successful ethologist and author; are there any goals you would still like to accomplish?
Bekoff: A more compassionate and loving attitude towards all animals and more peace on earth for all beings.