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Anthropomorphism in comparative affective science: Advocating a mindful approach

Williams, Lisa A.; Brosnan, Sarah F.; Clay, Zanna

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Authors

Lisa A. Williams

Sarah F. Brosnan



Abstract

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human-like capacities and traits to non-human entities. Anthropomorphism is ubiquitous in everyday life and in scientific domains, operating both implicitly and explicitly as a function of the human lens through which we view the world. A rich history of work in psychology, animal behavior, cognitive science, and philosophy has highlighted the negative and, to a lesser degree, the positive implications of anthropomorphism. In this article, we aim to provide a nuanced perspective of how anthropomorphism impacts the work of comparative affective science. Specifically, we discuss three domains of empirical inquiry in which lessons can be drawn about the benefits and pitfalls of anthropomorphism: responses to death, inequity aversion, and prosocial behavior. On balance, we advocate a mindful approach to anthropomorphizing in comparative affective science, and comparative science more generally.

Citation

Williams, L. A., Brosnan, S. F., & Clay, Z. (2020). Anthropomorphism in comparative affective science: Advocating a mindful approach. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 115, 299-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.05.014

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 26, 2020
Online Publication Date Jun 1, 2020
Publication Date 2020-08
Deposit Date Jun 7, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Print ISSN 0149-7634
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 115
Pages 299-307
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.05.014

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