Dr. David Livingstone Smith views understanding dehumanization that leads to moral atrocities as central to effectively resisting its harms.

In contrast to many other philosophical and psychological positions, Smith theorizes that to dehumanize people is to literally conceive of them as monstrous creatures, not merely lesser humans or animals. He argues that this can be true even if, paradoxically, the same people contemporaneously conceive of them as human. 

Through rigorous analysis and compelling examples, Smith explores the causes of dehumanization — including sociohistorical factors, powerful propaganda that spreads fear of evil, and our very human psychological vulnerabilities to manipulation. He has special concern with racialized hierarchies, according to which some humans have greater intrinsic value than others, as a significant precursor to dehumanization.

Smith urges us to resist dehumanization despite these challenges. To begin, we can confront our psychological vulnerabilities, dispute racialization, grasp relevant history, and protect freedom of the press.

Dr. David Livingstone Smith, professor of philosophy at the University of New England, focusses his work on dehumanization, particularly in relation to race and genocide. Smith regularly presents on dehumanization in academic and non-academic settings. Both national and international media seek his expertise; he has appeared in multiple documentaries and is frequently interviewed by reporters for newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and radio. In 2012, he spoke at the G20 economic summit on dehumanization and mass violence.