Animality: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Animality' comes from the Latin word 'animalis,' meaning 'having breath' or 'breath of life.'
• The suffix '-ity' indicates a state or quality, so 'animality' literally means the quality of being an animal.
• The term gained usage in philosophical discussions to contrast human qualities with basic animal instincts.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Aristotle explored the concept to distinguish human rationality from animal instincts.
• In existentialism, 'animality' often symbolizes primal urges that exist alongside human consciousness.
• Jean-Paul Sartre described humans as having both animality and the ability to reason, highlighting the tension between instinct and intellect.

Literature

• In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm,' the concept of animality is used to explore themes of power and corruption.
• The works of Franz Kafka often blur the lines between human and animalistic behaviors, questioning identity and existence.
• Authors often use animality to symbolize freedom, survival, and the basic instincts that drive action.

Psychology

• Studies in psychology examine how understanding 'animality' can help us comprehend human behavior and instincts.
• The concept is linked to evolutionary psychology, which examines traits and behaviors inherited from our animal ancestors.
• Animality may be reflected in responses to fear and survival, where primal instincts take over rational thought.

Pop Culture

• 'Animality' often appears in discussions about human-animal relationships in films and literature, emphasizing emotional connections.
• Media frequently portrays themes of 'animality' in superhero narratives, where characters show primal powers.
• The concept is also explored in art, where human figures are depicted with animal characteristics to symbolize instincts.