Anthropomorphism and Its Impact

Throughout history, humans have developed an inclination to attribute human-like qualities to non-human entities, even to inanimate objects like a cherished coffee mug. This phenomenon, known as anthropomorphism, has been part of our nature for ages, possibly since our early ancestors.

In the 19th century, our tendency to anthropomorphize influenced Scala Naturae, the notion that humans occupy the pinnacle of the so-called "tree of life," positioning us as the most superior species. Both anthropomorphism and the belief in human dominance over the animal kingdom have shaped our biases regarding animal experiences.

A 2018 study published in Frontiers highlighted that much of the research on animals is laced with anthropomorphic assumptions, often framing animal sensory physiology in terms that reflect human perception, despite the significant differences between species.

Understanding Umwelt

If you've read my previous work, you know that I often explore the idea of balancing objectivity with the subjective experiences of others. In 1934, biologist Jakob von Uexküll introduced the concept of umwelt, which elegantly navigates this balance.

Umwelt refers to the unique perceptual world of a subject, shaped by their individual experiences and perceptions. It posits that every being with subjective awareness has its distinct umwelt.

In his book An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us, Ed Yong delves deeper into this concept, examining the myriad senses present in the animal kingdom. He invites us to ponder what it would be like to navigate using the Earth's magnetic field or communicate through scent rather than gestures.

In a discussion with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Yong presents a thought-provoking scenario: imagine being in a room with an elephant, a bat, a bee, a rattlesnake, and a spider. Each animal would perceive their surroundings in ways that are vastly different from one another. The rattlesnake senses the heat of nearby creatures, while the elephant produces low-frequency rumbles unheard by others. This illustrates how each species exists in its sensory bubble, experiencing only a fraction of reality.

The Hidden World of Animal Senses – with Ed Yong

Explore the fascinating ways animals perceive their environment, shedding light on the sensory capabilities that differ from human experiences.

We Only See a Fraction of Reality

The concept of umwelt aligns with recent discussions I've had about panpsychism and the consciousness of plants. These ideas challenge our narrow perceptions of reality. Yong emphasizes this point in his interview:

“I’m sitting here in this room, and I don’t feel as if my perception of the world is incomplete. But this feeling of having everything is an illusion that every animal experiences. It reminds us that even familiar aspects of our world are filled with unknowns.”

Over the centuries, we have made significant strides in understanding the physical world around us. Today, we have the technology to explore beyond our natural capabilities, expanding our understanding of our environment by observing and learning from other species.

Shifting Perspectives

What else might we uncover about our world as we deepen our understanding of animals? Imagine a future where virtual reality allows you to experience the world through the eyes of various animals — seeing like a bird, smelling like a dog, or hearing like an elephant.

In fact, we don’t need to look beyond our own species to see significant differences in perception. We are beginning to explore how diverse experiences shape our understanding of reality, which goes beyond cultural or social identity.

Some individuals have inner dialogues, while others do not. Some experience synesthesia, where senses blend, and others possess heightened sensory abilities. Although our thoughts may differ, we often assume our mental experiences are universal, but this is far from the truth.

This article was originally featured in the author’s newsletter, Curious Adventure. It was later edited and republished on Medium with her permission.

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