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Automated Interactive Video Playback for Studies of Animal Communication
Published on: February 9, 2011
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Anthropomorphism in Human-Animal Interactions: A Pragmatist View
1Laboratory of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 9, 2019
Summary
This study redefines anthropomorphism, moving beyond attributing human traits to animals. It proposes viewing it as directly perceiving human-like qualities in animals within specific situations, enhancing our understanding of human-animal communication.
Area of Science:
- Human-Animal Studies
- Pragmatism
- Anthropology of Communication
Background:
- Anthropomorphism is often viewed as attributing human characteristics to animals.
- This perspective is frequently linked to the theory of mind.
- Existing theories may not fully capture the nuances of human-animal interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the traditional definition of anthropomorphism.
- To propose an alternative conception of anthropomorphism.
- To explore anthropomorphism within the framework of pragmatism and human-animal communication.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical exploration drawing from pragmatism.
- Analysis of anthropological studies on human-animal communication.
- Conceptual articulation of situated direct perception.
Main Results:
- A new theoretical framework for understanding anthropomorphism.
- Reconceptualization of anthropomorphism as direct, situated perception.
- Emphasis on the role of context and engagement in perceiving animal behavior.
Conclusions:
- Anthropomorphism is better understood as a situated, direct perception.
- This perspective offers a novel approach for ethnographic and empirical research.
- New insights into how people interpret animal behavior in real-life contexts are possible.
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