Episode 116 features insights from the renowned scholar Dr. Carol Gigliotti on the topic of animal creativity and courtship. Known for her work in animal ethics and creative behavior, Dr. Gigliotti shares her groundbreaking views on how animals use creativity in their mating rituals and the lessons about bio-diversity humans can learn from them.
Understanding Creativity in Animals
Dr. Gigliotti redefines creativity to include the innovative behaviors of animals, emphasizing that it involves creating something new and useful that impacts individuals, species, or biodiversity as a whole. Unlike humans, who often use creativity for progress that might end up being destructive, animals generally employ creativity in ways that are harmonious with the Earth.
Animal Courtship: More Than Just Survival
The episode explores how animal sexuality is not solely about reproduction. Dr. Gigliotti highlights the intricate behaviors found in species like walruses, who engage in same-sex activities, and the elaborate courtship rituals of bowerbirds and birds of paradise. These behaviors underscore that animal sexuality is about forming meaningful connections, not just evolutionary advantage.
Rethinking Art and Creativity
The conversation shifts to how studying animal mating rituals can enrich human concepts of art, beauty, and creativity. Animals exhibit creativity that is about problem-solving and adapting to challenges, rather than creating traditional forms of art. Dr. Gigliotti shares that real creativity is about forming meaningful solutions to problems, whether in the wild or in human society.
Challenging Human Biases
A significant takeaway from this episode is the challenge to human biases that overlook the emotional depth and creativity of animals. Animals have learned, cultural aspects to their behaviors that are often dismissed or misunderstood. Recognizing these aspects can help us appreciate the importance of biodiversity and the intrinsic value of all forms of creativity.
Call to Action: Rethink Our Relationship with Animals
As species with unique creativity go extinct, we stand to lose the vibrant interactions that enrich our world. Dr. Gigliotti emphasizes the urgency of rethinking our relationship with animals and redefining our “deal” with them. Protecting biodiversity is crucial, not only for planet sustainability but also to maintain the richness and complexities of life that inspire human creativity.
Show Notes:
Episode 2 of Series 13, Sex and Animals: Transcript
"Creativity is all about problem solving." - Dr. Gigliotti
Guest Bio: Carola Gigliotti is an author, artist, animal activist, and scholar whose work focuses on the reality of animals’ lives as important contributors to the biodiversity of this planet. She is Professor Emerita of Design and Dynamic Media and Critical and Cultural Studies at the Emily Carr University of Design, Vancouver, BC. CANADA
To connect with Carol: https://www.facebook.com/carol.gigliotti, @carolgigliotti.bsky.social, https://carolgigliotti.com/dir/
Book Recommendation: The Emotional Lives of Animals (revised): A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy ― and Why They Matter by Marc Bekoff
Related Episodes: 113. The Animal Turn Crossover ...with Carol Gigliotti and Claudia Hirtenfelder (S12)
Next on our series, stay tuned for a mind-opening conversation with Carol J. Adams, author of "The Sexual Politics of Meat," where we'll discuss the intersections of gender, sexuality, and animal treatment.
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