Critical animal studies

Critical animal studies (CAS) (not to be confused with Animal Studies) is an educational field that critically examines human relationships with nonhuman animals, with a focus on social justice and animal liberation. Challenging the conventional anthropocentric views of humans on animals, it recognizes and acknowledges the inherent value of nonhuman animals and aims to create a more equitable and ethical relationship between humans and other animals. CAS applies critical theory to animal studies and animal ethics. It emerged in 2001 with the founding of the Centre for Animal Liberation Affairs by Anthony J. Nocella II and Steven Best, which in 2007 became the Institute for Critical Animal Studies (ICAS). The core interest of CAS is animal ethics, firmly grounded in trans-species intersectionality, environmental justice, social justice politics and critical analysis of the underlying role played by the capitalist system. Scholars in the field seek to integrate academic research with political engagement and activism.