The Postmodern Animal: Anthropomorphism: Steve Baker, Tom Tyler & Natalie Settles

  Natalie Settles "Awkward Anthropomorphism", 2002 etching, aquatint, 9.75" x 13"

ANTHROPOMORPHISM

“Symbolism is inevitably anthropomorphic, making sense of the animal characterizing it in human terms, and doing so from a safe distance.  This may be the animal’s key role in postmodernism: too close to work as a symbol, it passes itself off as the fact or reality of that which resists both interpretation and mediocrity…the productiveness of the idea of the postmodern animal may lie in its pointing to the unavailability rather than the inescapability of an anthropocentric perspective.” Steve Baker, The Postmodern Animal, p. 82-3.

For an excellent discussion of anthropomorphism (and anthropocentrism) read “If Horses Had Hands...” by Tom Tyler 

Abstract: In this paper I examine the contentious and confused notion of anthropomorphism.  Beginning with an overview of the term’s etymology and present use, I go on to examine the arguments both of those who believe it to be unscientific and demeaning, and those who believe it to be an inevitable and useful pragmatic strategy.  Heidegger raises the more serious objection, though, that as a concept anthropomorphism is not even meaningful.  I conclude that use of the term commits one to an undesirable anthropocentrism, and shackles thought concerning human and animal beings.

Thanks to CriminalAnimal for the link to this article.

links: digg this    del.icio.us    technorati    reddit