The book is a comprehensive introduction to the work of the Estonian-German biologist Jakob von Uexküll. After a first introductory chapter by Morten Tønnessen and a second chapter on Uexküll's life and philosophical background, it contains four chapters devoted to the analysis of his main works. They are followed by a vast eighth chapter which deals with the influence Uexküll had on other philosophers and scientists. Finally, the author discloses his conclusions, focused on the possibility of updating Uexküll's work. As far as the key issue is concerned, the Uexküllian Umwelt is the perceptive and operative world which surrounds animal species; it is a subjective species-specific construction which provides living organisms with great security and behaviour stability. The relationship that the animal carries out with its environment is a complex system of semiotic interactions: its behaviour is not a set of mechanical reactions, but a spontaneous attribution of meaning to the outside world.

On an international level the first comprehensive introduction to the work of the Estonian-German biologist Jakob von Uexküll Finds its foundation in the original works by Uexküll (in German) and their major translations in English Combines a careful reconstruction of the historical context and a thorough analysis of the theoretical and philosophical contents of the Uexküllian views The book's substantial sixth chapter devoted to the influence that Uexküll had on other philosophers and scientists is of considerable interest to scholars of the most diverse disciplines (from ethology to phenomenology, from anthropology philosophy to semiotics) Is both an introduction to the author, useful to those who approach him for the first time, and a valuable tool for scholars who want to look into specific parts, aspects, influences of his work Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

Acknowledgments Introductory Chapter.- The Life and Education of Jakob von Uexküll. The Basis of the Environmental Theory.- The Subjective World of the Umwelt.- The Structure of the Umwelt.- Environment and Meaning.- Influences and Interpretations of the Work of Uexküll.- Conclusion. References.- Index.