Definition

1. Noun:
   • The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object: The act of describing or thinking of non-human entities as if they possess human qualities, emotions, or intentions.

Usage

• General Use: The term is used in literature, religion, philosophy, and everyday language to describe the human tendency to interpret non-human things in human terms.
• Academic Use: In theology, it refers to conceiving of deities in human form. In literary criticism, it is a common technique in fables and allegories.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient myths are full of anthropomorphism, with gods displaying jealousy, love, and anger.
  • Describing a storm as "angry" or a cat as "plotting" something are simple forms of anthropomorphism.
  • Some critics argue that attributing consciousness to advanced AI is a modern form of anthropomorphism.

Advanced Usage

• "Literary anthropomorphism": The deliberate use of this technique in stories, such as in by George Orwell or in many animated films.
  • The novel's power comes from its skillful anthropomorphism, allowing the toys to express very human fears and joys.
• "Theological anthropomorphism": The depiction of a divine being with human physical form or psychological traits.
  • Debates about theological anthropomorphism often center on whether sacred texts should be interpreted literally or metaphorically.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthropomorphic (adj): Having or described as having human form or attributes.
  • The cartoon features anthropomorphic animals who wear clothes and drive cars.
• Anthropomorphize (verb): To attribute human characteristics to something non-human.
  • It is natural for children to anthropomorphize their stuffed toys.

Synonyms

• Personification: The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something non-human. (Note: In literary analysis, "personification" is often a specific figure of speech, while "anthropomorphism" can be a broader conceptual approach.)
• Humanization: The process of making something seem human.

Antonyms

• Dehumanization: The process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities.
• Objectification: The treatment of a person as an object or thing.

Noun

1. the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits