Angela Saini: How Can We Be Wiser About Human Difference?

To mark this year’s Darwin Day, award-winning science journalist Angela Saini asks how we can build a scientific future that doesn’t resort to biological essentialism.

Throughout the history of modern science, people have sought to classify humans and make biological generalisations based on these classifications. This lead to centuries of damaging beliefs about racial, class and gender differences, some of which persist to this day. Darwin himself wasn’t immune from falling into this trap.

What are the benefits and limitations of sifting humans into biological groups, and what risks do we face when we choose to study our species in this way? Might it be possible to move beyond the need to group in the first place? Saini will draw on examples from both the past and the present – including the Covid-19 pandemic.

Angela Saini is in conversation with Jenny Kleeman, who gave the Bristol 2020 Darwin Day lecture.