I claim we anthropomorphize because guessing that the world is humanlike is a good bet. It is a bet because the world is uncertain , ambiguous, and in need of interpretation. It is a good bet because the most valuable interpretation usually are those that disclose the presence of the whatever is mot important to us. That usually is other humans. ~ Page 3 (intro)

There are two standard explanations of anthropomorphism: that it comforts us and that it consists in using our good knowledge of ourselves to account for what we know less well. Although each explanation has some truth, neither is sufficient. Comfort does not explain anthropomorphism well because much anthropomorphism is uncomfortable. Reliance on self-knowledge does not explain it well either, because our knowledge of ourselves is no more reliable than knowledge of what is not ourselves. - Page 6

Anthropomorphism in Philosophy and Science, shows that anthropomorphism occurs even among philosophers and scientists, although they are its most consistent critics. Scientists in particular try to avoid it, but they must make a constant effort. Its cause here appears the same as elsewhere: we strive to understand our world by pursuing important possibilities, and humanlike forms and behaviors are the most important ones we know. ~ Page 7