Can humans empathize with animals? Recognizing our limited view in understanding animals' intelligence - Gabriëlle Bruggeling

As an anthropologist I believed that ‘culture’ is what makes humans exceptional compared to other living beings. Research on social learning and cultural traits among animals, however, shows that ‘human abilities’ are found among animals as well. It states that humans and animals are more alike than different. These findings invite us to learn to understand animals’ intelligence through the setting of their ecology, instead of from the human point of view. But are humans capable of empathizing with animals in that way? It is an instinct of human evolution to attribute human-like traits and behaviors to animals. This tendency is what is called anthropomorphism. Furthermore and in extension of this, we define animals through stories and life experiences, which often has a direct effect on how animals live. It is evident that these human traits can have -and already have- a negative effect on biodiversity. I therefore propose that, in recognition of our limited human view, we can move towards a perspective that is more inclusive of all life on this planet. The first step of doing so is to open up to different stories, like creation stories of indigenous people. Stories and beliefs of indigenous people offer us a holistic approach to the value of life. By seeing all life as part of a ‘storied world’, we can move past our anthropomorphized views and use the human strength of story-telling for the betterment of our environment.Article by Gabriëlle Bruggeling, illustrated by Eline Veldhuisen, read by Gabriëlle Bruggelinghttps://theanthro.art/can-humans-empathize-with-animals-recognizing-our-limited-view-in-understanding-animals-intelligence-gabrielle-bruggeling-illustration-by-eline-veldhuisen/