In the philosophical subdiscipline of ontology, animalism is a theory of personal identity that asserts that humans are animals). The concept of animalism is advocated by philosophers such as Eric T. Olson, Peter Van Inwagen, Paul Snowdon, Stephan Blatti, David Hershenov, and David Wiggins). Animalism stands in contrast to positions such as John Lockes psychological criterion for personal identity or various forms of mind-body dualism).

Animalism’s hallmark claim concerns our basic metaphysical nature: whether we are material or immaterial; simple or composite; substance, property, process, or event; organic or inorganic; etc. In this context, the animalist asserts simply: "We are animals". Animalism is also sometimes formulated slightly differently as "We are essentially animals".

Animalism can also refer to the ethical view that all or most animals are worthy of moral consideration). It emphasizes the value of sentient beings and promotes the consideration of the interests of all animals. Animalism can be associated with animal welfare, animal rights, animal equality, animal liberation, anti-speciesism, or veganism.

It is important to note that the term "animalism" can also refer to preoccupation with or motivation by sensual, physical, or carnal appetites rather than moral, spiritual, or intellectual forces.