Animals, Machines, and AI

"Animals, Machines, and AI" is an interdisciplinary academic book that explores the role of non-human life forms in German literature and culture. It highlights the emotional relationships between humans and non-human actors, including animals and machines, and examines how these relationships shape our understanding of humanity. In a time when interest in emotions, robotics, and animal studies is growing, this work offers a critical analysis of the affective entanglements found in modern German cultural history. The contributions come from various disciplines, including life sciences, literature, visual arts, poetry, philosophy, and photography. In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the central role of animals and technologies in our daily lives is emphasized. This book invites readers to explore the possibilities that relationships with non-human beings offer for enriching our emotional world.