Anthropomorphism: How much are animals like us? (Host: Leslie)

Be sure to CHECK OUT LINKS AT THE BOTTOM as they will help us use common language in our discussion.

Is a fox really sly? Is an owl really wise? Why do humans attribute human traits to animals, plants, cars, sailing vessels, etc.?

• What are the implications of anthropomorphism on our relationship with the outer world?
• Do you agree with statement in the 2nd video that plants don't have feelings? If you disagree, can you describe those feelings?
• And what implications may all of this have on the development of AI?

Science is now closely studying animal behavior to see how unique our human experience truly is. What might this reveal about their psychology and ours?

Great video to get grounded in concepts/language/current study:
https://www.animalsandsociety.org/human-animal-studies/defining-human-animal-studies-an-asi-video-project/defining-anthropomorphism-with-robert-mitchell/

Reasons why humans anthropomorphize:
https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/thinking-and-awareness/2020/anthropomorphism-seeing-the-human-in-plants-pets-and-possessions-110420

Longer, detailed (and interesting) explanations:
https://qz.com/935832/why-do-people-name-their-plants-cars-ships-and-guitars-anthropomorphism-may-actually-signal-social-intelligence/