Surekha Davies

Surekha Davies, a historian and former professor turned full-time writer, dives into the fascinating intersections of humanity and monstrosity. She shares her journey from academia to writing, revealing the joys and struggles of her creative process. Surekha discusses her books, especially 'Humans: A Monstrous History,' exploring how humans define identity in relation to creatures and concepts from apes to zombies. She also emphasizes the importance of community feedback and reflects on tackling imposter syndrome in scholarly work.

In this engaging conversation, historian Surekha Davies dives into the intriguing concept of monstrosity and its ties to societal fears. She discusses how narratives about monsters reflect our values and history, exploring figures who embody ‘otherness’ and the implications for race and gender. The chat also touches on the potential of alien life and how our understanding of humanity shifts in light of AI advancements. With historical context, Davies highlights the dangers of discrimination and the need for advocacy against harmful narratives.

Surekha Davies, historian of science, art, and ideas who studies categories and the cultural history of monsters. She explains monsters as beings that blur boundaries. She talks about genes, viruses, and the microbiome complicating what it means to be human. She traces public fears about early genetic engineering and reframes monstrosity as uniqueness.

Dr. Surekha Davies, a historian specializing in science and ideas, offers a fascinating exploration of 'otherness' in the Early Modern period. She and Professor Suzannah Lipscomb discuss how societal perceptions of monstrosity evolved, highlighting historical cases and the influence of the four humors. The conversation delves into the entrenchment of racism and sexism through legal frameworks, gender fluidity, and intersexuality, all while unpacking how cultures defined their own 'monsters.' Prepare for a deep dive into history's most intriguing identities.

Stella Creasy, Labour MP and campaigner on social justice, rails against migration plans she calls socially unjust and economically wasteful. Dr Surekha Davies, historian of science and author, explores why humans invent monsters and how categories shape fear. They discuss limbo for refugees, harmful temporary status, monsters as boundary-breakers, and how politics weaponizes dehumanisation.