Anthropomorphism

I know I made a post a while ago about anthropomorphizing and the dangers it holds. But I also want to say that I sometimes do it. Like here, “Alfie looks so happy” I know that isn’t a serious statement. I say it because it’s fun, but I know in reality there is really nothing seriously that shows he’s happy. He’s tolerant for allowing it on his head, and he didn’t shake it off so he didn’t hate it. But happy and enjoying are words I know I can’t attach realistically. But I can saying jokingly and casually because it’s cute.

But we cannot seriously stretch emotions to animals unless we know that the animal is feeling that way. Through body language you can get a estimated read on the animal to get an understanding of their feelings towards activities and in that moment. But even that isn’t 100% because we can’t communicate with animals in their language. We can “communicate” through a taught “language” through training, but that is surface level compared to the abilities animals can feel and live life.