Anthropomorphism


anthropomorphism |ˌanTHrəpəˈmôrˌfizəm|
noun
the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.

People oftentimes dismiss some interpretations of animal behavior as anthropomorphism.  Why do they assume that the feelings and motives that humans have are so different from those of other animals? Why assume it’s projection when it could be empathy?