Re: Can software have human attributes?
A random search on google brought up a reference to anthropomorphism in
scientific writing:
[from Animal Physiology (Biology 330) - Instructions for Laboratory
Reports]
--------------------------------
When describing the behavior of organisms, it is especially important to
avoid ascribing human emotions and feelings to the organisms
(anthropomorphism). We do not know what the organisms are perceiving,
sensing, or "feeling." Do not say that a spider looks dejected, responded
angrily, or was annoyed. Instead you must objectively describe how the
organism behaves and moves, by using specific anatomical terms, angles, and
rates of movements.
--------------------------------
This advice is about observing animals. Its application to writing is not at all obvious.
However, it's worth noting that some active researchers believe that this advice sets up a bias that is as limiting in its own way as anthropomorphism - and one which can easily encourage cruelty and unethical behavior. That is why, for example, Jane Goodall does not refer to "immature chimpanzees" in her writings, but "boys" and "girls" - a word choice that is so disconcerting at first as to prove the point about pseudo-objective language by itself.
As a side note, the social sciences and arts have a long history of borrowing scientific concepts and jargon in an effort to sound more scientific. Grammarians have followed this tactic for at least 350 years (when, of course, they weren't trying to remake English in the image of Latin - which is really the same approach, since in the 17th century Latin was the language of science). This approach results in such rules as the ban on the double negative, which borrows the algebraic idea that two negatives make a positive.
Unfortunately for those who promote these borrowings, language is much wider in scope than science. As a result, these borrowings are no more than arbitrary decisions, and are often widely ignored without any serious damage being done to the pursuit of clear communication.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"For this land that you leave has had too many martyrs,
Too many people who've perished in vain,
Too many ships slipping out of the harbours,
With cargoes that never came homeward again.
-Battlefield Band, "The Green and the Blue"
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