Why the cat wags her tail. A new essay by Mathilde Tahar
- Mathilde Tahar
- 28 mars
- 1 min de lecture
Animal play can seem trivial, even laughable, and such scenes make us grin with delight. But is that all there is to it?
In her latest essay for Aeon Magazine, Why the cat wags her tail, Dr Mathilde Tahar delves into the mystery of animal play.
With both scientific rigour and philosophical insight, and a deep attentiveness to our fellow non-human animals, the piece explores the evolutionary and conceptual stakes of what might appear to be a purely frivolous activity.
Why would evolution favour such a costly, apparently purposeless, and joyful behaviour as play? Could play be more than mere amusement – perhaps even a source of inventiveness?
This article invites readers to rethink play as a fundamental expression of animal agency. It’s open to comments, so don’t hesitate to read, share, and join the conversation!
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