What is anthropomorphism?
This page explains the notion of anthropomorphism, and introduces a range of examoples from various sources such as sicence books and science journalism.
Anthropomorphism is the ascribing of human feelings, thinking, motives etc., to non-human entities. Anthropomorphism is a common feature of scientific discourse. It is sometimes used in teaching and science communication as a kind of figure of speech that is not meant to be taken literally. However, when learners use anthropomorphic language in science this may be a sign of alternative conceptions, as they may consider an anthropomorphic explanation to be scientifically valid.
(Read about 'Learners' anthropomorphic thinking')
(Read about 'alternative conceptions')
That is anthropomorphism may support 'pseudo-explanations': explanations that have the superficial form of scientific explanations, but which have no scientific merit.
Usually anthropomorphic references are not intended literally – rather they may be seen as a sub-class of metaphors. Other examples of metaphors in scientific writing and discourse may be found at:
Read about examples of scientific metaphors
Anthropomorphism in public discourse
Anthropomorphism is common in talk about science, such as new reports and documentaries. It may be adopted inadvertently, or may be a deliberate attempt to communicate science using anthropomorphism as technique for 'making the unfamiliar familiar'
(Read about 'Making the unfamiliar familiar')
As suggested above, many of these examples may be meant metaphorically, but taken literally imply inanimate objects can act as deliberate agents in the world.
Examples of anthropomorphism in public communication of science
I have collected together a range of examples of anthropomorphism from such sources as the writings of scientists, popular science writing, and science journalism, that are listed here:
Read about examples of anthropomorphism
