Anthropology and Cryptozoology: Exploring Encounters with Mysterious Creatures (Multispecies Encounters)

New
Hardcover
2016
$151.48

Cryptozoology is best understood as the study of animals which, in the eyes of Western science, are extinct, unclassified or unrecognised. In consequence, and in part because of its selective methods and lack of epistemological rigour, cryptozoology is often dismissed as a pseudo-science. However, there is a growing recognition that social science can benefit from engaging with it, for as as social scientists are very well aware, 'scientific' categorisation and explanation represents just one of a myriad of systems used by humans to enable them to classify and make sense of the world around them. In many cultural contexts, myth, folk classification and lived experience challenge the 'truth' expounded by scientists. With a reflexive, anthropological approach and drawing on rich empirical and ethnographic studies from around the world, this volume engages with the theoretical and methodological issues raised by reported sightings of unrecognised animals. Bringing into sharp focus the anthropological value and challenges for methodology posed by beliefs about unclassified creatures, Anthropology and Cryptozoology: Exploring encounters with mysterious creatures will be of interest to anthropologists, sociologists and geographers working in the fields of research methods, anthrozoology, mythology and folklore and human-animal interaction.

Synopsis

Cryptozoology is best understood as the study of animals which, in the eyes of Western science, are extinct, unclassified or unrecognised. In consequence, and in part because of its selective methods and lack of epistemological rigour, cryptozoology is often dismissed as a pseudo-science. However, there is a growing recognition that social science can benefit from engaging with it, for as as social scientists are very well aware, 'scientific' categorisation and explanation represents just one of a myriad of systems used by humans to enable them to classify and make sense of the world around them. In many cultural contexts, myth, folk classification and lived experience challenge the 'truth' expounded by scientists. With a reflexive, anthropological approach and drawing on rich empirical and ethnographic studies from around the world, this volume engages with the theoretical and methodological issues raised by reported sightings of unrecognised animals. Bringing into sharp focus the anthropological value and challenges for methodology posed by beliefs about unclassified creatures, Anthropology and Cryptozoology: Exploring encounters with mysterious creatures will be of interest to anthropologists, sociologists and geographers working in the fields of research methods, anthrozoology, mythology and folklore and human-animal interaction.

$151.48

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 262
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 14 Nov 2016
ISBN 10: 1409466752
ISBN 13: 9781409466758

Media Reviews

'I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It provides a fascinating anthropological perspective on cryptozoological and related claims. The diversity of unknown animal claims considered is far wider than that seen in typical cryptozoology texts. Thus we have discussion of werebeings, non-corporeal snakes and mermaids, as well as more conventional cryptozoological fare like mystery cats.' - Charles Paxton, University of St Andrews, U.K

'When anthropologists bring their ethnographic encounters into conversation with cryptozoology the result is wildly unsettling. How are unseen creatures known? Who decides what is real? Is knowledge always tentative and provisional? What multispecies ethics do cryptids call forth? Anthropology and Cryptozoology is a trip through beastly domains that challenge us to think widely, generously, indeed extravagantly.'- Deborah Bird Rose, University of New South Wales, Australia

'The scholars writing in Anthropology and Crytozoology treat the creatures of contemporary legend with a respect once reserved for ancient deities, by considering their ontological foundations and enthnozoological context. This gives new subtlety to the formerly marginal field of cryptozoology.' - Boria Sax, author of The Mythical Zoo and Imaginary Animals

Author Bio

Samantha Hurn is Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Director of the Exeter Anthrozoology and Symbiotic Ethics (EASE) working group, and the MA and Ph.D programmes in Anthrozoology at the University of Exeter, UK.