Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism attributes human traits to nonhuman beings or things. It becomes a reasoning error when a literal conclusion relies on an unsupported attribution, rather than on evidence about the subject.
THE IDEA
4.7 ANTHROPOMORPHISM
This fallacy gets its name from two Greek words: anthropos, meaning human, and morphe, meaning form. The reasoning error occurs when one assumes, without adequate support, that a non-human being or thing has the same characteristics as a human. Often this involves a projection of human emotions or behavior onto something non-human. For example:
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Because of our lack of respect for nature, the earth has become angry with us humans.
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As I look at the magnificent California redwoods, I feel them calling my name and extending their love to me.
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When my pet snake Pepper smiles at me, I know she’s satisfied.
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I wish I had a better relationship with my computer. It keeps getting mad at me and freezing up!
Read literally, these examples attribute human emotions or intentions without establishing them. The same language could be a metaphor or a joke rather than a factual claim. Ask what the speaker means and what evidence supports any conclusion drawn from the attribution.
When to use it
When interpreting the behavior of pets, avoid assuming they experience emotions exactly like humans.
When discussing natural disasters, resist framing them as punishments or revenge from nature.
When interacting with technology, remember that machines do not have feelings even if they mimic human responses.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example 1
Because of our lack of respect for nature, the earth has become angry with us humans.
Example 2
As I look at the magnificent California redwoods, I feel them calling my name and extending their love to me.
Example 3
When my pet snake Pepper smiles at me, I know she’s satisfied.
Example 4
I wish I had a better relationship with my computer. It keeps getting mad at me and freezing up!
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time you attributed human emotions to an animal or object. How might that have affected your reasoning or decisions?
Why is it important to distinguish between genuine human behavior and projected behavior in non-human entities?
Can anthropomorphism ever be useful in understanding or relating to the world, or is it always a fallacy?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Informal Logical Fallacies A Brief Guide