This is the first book to define the philosophical and practical parameters of critical animal studies (CAS). Rooted in anarchist perspectives that oppose all systems of domination and authoritarianism, CAS both challenges anthropocentrism and presents animal liberation as a social justice movement that intersects with other movements for positive change. Written by a collection of internationally respected scholar-activists, each chapter expands upon the theory and practice underlying the total liberation approach, the roles of academics and activists, and the ten principles of CAS. With apolitical animal studies and exploitative animal research dominating higher education, this book offers a timely counter-narrative that demands the liberation of all oppressed beings and the environment. Defining Critical Animal Studies will interest educators, students, activists, community members, and policy makers seeking accessible theory that can be put into action.

Contents: Anthony J. Nocella II/John Sorenson/Kim Socha/Atsuko Matsuoka: Introduction: The Emergence of Critical Animal Studies: The Rise of Intersectional Animal Liberation ¿ Adam Weitzenfeld/Melanie Joy: An Overview of Anthropocentrism, Humanism, and Speciesism in Critical Animal Theory ¿ Amy J. Fitzgerald/David Pellow: Ecological Defense for Animal Liberation: A Holistic Understanding of the World ¿ Sarat Colling/Sean Parson/Alessandro Arrigoni: Until All Are Free: Total Liberation through Revolutionary Decolonization, Groundless Solidarity, and a Relationship Framework ¿ Stephanie Jenkins/Vasile St¿nescu: One Struggle ¿ Carol L. Glasser/Arpan Roy: The Ivory Trap: Bridging the Gap between Activism and the Academy ¿ Kim Socha/Les Mitchell: Critical Animal Studies as an Interdisciplinary Field: A Holistic Approach to Confronting Oppression ¿ Lauren Corman/Tereza Vandrovcová: Radical Humility: Toward a More Holistic Critical Animal Studies Pedagogy ¿ Lara Drew/Nik Taylor: Engaged Activist Research: Challenging Apolitical Objectivity ¿ Jennifer Grubbs/Michael Loadenthal: From the Classroom to the Slaughterhouse: Animal Liberation by Any Means Necessary ¿ Richard J. White/Erika Cudworth: Taking it to the Streets: Challenging Systems of Domination from Below ¿ Karen Davis: Afterword: From Animal Oppression to Animal Liberation: A Historical Reflection and the Growth of Critical Animal Studies.