Abstract.
Originally created in 1892, Hugo Rheinhold’s sculpture “Monkey contemplating a human skull“ continues to attract a global audience. It is particularly appreciated by science ethicists, physical anthropologists and evolutionary biologists.This article explores the iconography of the sculpture, analyzes its iconology and discusses its message: an appeal to scientists – rendered through a witty, multilayered symbolism – to consider the ethical implications of their research. Biographical background information on the life of the German-Jewish artist and philosopher sheds further light on the ethical and pacifist dimensions of his work.
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Axel Schmetzke With major sections based on a German draft translated by Nancy Joyce.
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Richter, J., Schmetzke, A. Hugo Rheinhold’s philosophizing monkey – a modern Owl of Minerva. N.T.M. 15, 81–97 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00048-006-0247-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00048-006-0247-5