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Dr. Smith is a professor of philosophy at the University of New England. He earned his M.A. from Antioch University and his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of London, Kings College.
Website: https://www.davidlivingstonesmith.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Monsters-Uncanny-Power-Dehumanization/dp/0674545567
Summary:
In this interview, Prof. Smith explores the philosophical and psychological roots of dehumanization. Smith argues that when we dehumanize our enemy, we hold two incongruous beliefs at the same time: we believe our enemy is at once subhuman and fully human. To call someone a monster, then, is not merely a resort to metaphor—dehumanization really does happen in our minds. Smith also discusses how dehumanization is used by leaders to manipulate a group to attain certain goals.
