Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human-like qualities and characteristics to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or even abstract concepts. In popular children’s media, anthropomorphism is a common theme, with talking animals like Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse being extremely popular. However, teaching students about anthropomorphism goes beyond simply introducing it as a literary device; exploring the cultural, scientific, and philosophical implications of anthropomorphism is key to greater understanding of the world.
Cultural Anthropology
Anthropomorphism has been a motif in storytelling and mythology for centuries, from Greek gods to Hindu deities. Unpacking the cultural meanings and implications of these stories can be a rich source of understanding for students. Anthropological research shows that the attribution of human-like qualities to animals and other objects can signal the significance or importance of them to a culture. Encouraging students to consider this aspect of anthropomorphism can foster cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for diversity in different cultures, and ways of being.
Scientific Studies
In scientific research, anthromorphism can play an important role in understanding the behavior and cognitive processes of animals, since attributing human emotions or beliefs to animals or plants can help researchers understand their thought processes in more human terms. For example, many dogs owners attribute human-like emotions to their pets, ascribing them with character traits like loyalty or even guilt. This can make it easier for science to understand their behavior and how they have been bred over time by humans, as well as how to best care for them in captivity. Educating students on how anthropomorphism has informed scientific research can help them appreciate the value and limitations of this knowledge, as it opens the door for further scientific inquiry into the world around us.
Philosophical Implications
Anthropomorphism has been debated by philosophers throughout the ages, with some arguing it is a harmful or misleading way of understanding the world around us. For some, the concept of anthropomorphism is seen as superstitious or even childish, and may point to a lack of understanding of scientific or other objective knowledge about the world. For others, anthropomorphism is a way to stimulate our imagination and explore our own emotional responses to the world in a more meaningful way. Debate over this philosophy can create healthy discussion and dialogue among students, promoting critical thinking skills and a wider range of perspectives.
Conclusion
Teaching students about anthropomorphism requires that we broaden our conception of the world around us. By exploring anthropomorphism in cultural, scientific, and philosophical contexts, we can help students understand and appreciate the ways that human ideas and values are shaped by our interactions with the world around us. Ultimately, anthropomorphism offers a rich way for us to better understand our world and our place in it, and by fostering this understanding in our students, we can help them connect more fully with the world and with one another.
