The Animal That Therefore I Am

This book offers a profound exploration of Jacques Derrida's thoughts on animals and their philosophical significance, particularly at the 1997 Cérisy conference.

This book presents a translation of Jacques Derrida's extensive ten-hour address delivered at the 1997 Cérisy conference, titled The Autobiographical Animal. This conference was the third of four dedicated to exploring his influential work. The text has been meticulously assembled posthumously, drawing from two published sections, a recorded session, and an informal conversation, providing a comprehensive insight into Derrida's thoughts on the intersection of philosophy and the animal world.

The Animal That Therefore I Am delves into the intricate roles that animals play within Derrida's philosophical framework. It critically examines the historical distinctions that have been made between humans and other living beings, particularly the Cartesian separation of man as the thinking animal from the rest of the animal kingdom. This distinction has profound implications for how society views and treats animals, and Derrida engages with the ideas of various philosophers, including Descartes, Kant, Heidegger, Lacan, and Levinas, as he navigates this complex terrain.

In a unique blend of autobiography and philosophical inquiry, Derrida reflects on his personal experiences, such as the moment when his cat follows him into the bathroom. This leads to a profound exploration of themes like nakedness and shame, questioning what the observing animal perceives about its human counterpart. The Animal That Therefore I Am serves as both a poignant critique of modern animal treatment and a deeper philosophical inquiry into the essence of life and the implications of animal rights.