An example of anthropomorphism nd teleology in a scientist's writing:
"All the more remarkable is the observation that a neutral zone insinuates itself between the nest and the hunting ground of many raptors, a zone in which they seize no prey at all. Ornithologists must be correct in their assumption that this organisation of the environment was made by Nature in order to keep the raptors from seizing their own young. If, as they say, the nestling becomes a branchling and spends its days hopping from branch to branch near the parental nest, it would easily be in danger of being seized by mistake by its own parents. In this way, it can spend its days free of danger in the neutral zone of the protected area. The protected area is sought out by many songbirds as a nesting and incubation site where they can raise their young free of danger under the protection of the big predator."
Jakob von Uexküll
Uexküll, J. v. (1934/2010). A Foray into the Worlds of Animals (J. D. O'Neil, Trans.). In A Foray into the Worlds of Animals; with, A Theory of Meaning (pp. 39-135). University of Minnesota Press. Read "How to avoid birds of prey…by taking refuge in the neutral zone".
Read examples of anthropomorphism in science
Read about teleology in science
Read examples of teleological (pseudo)explanations for scientific pheneomena
[Please be aware that a word may have different nuances, or even a different meaning, according to context.]« Back to Index
