Research student

Lindsay Tanner

Thesis Title: Simian spectre: Redefining humanity after Darwin

Supervisors: Professor Joy Damousi (Principal Supervisor); Professor Susan Broomhall (Co-Supervisor); Professor Kate Fullagar (Co-Supervisor)

Thesis abstract: Prior to the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, it was widely accepted that human beings were a species entirely separate and distinct from, and elevated well above, the animal world. Almost overnight the dominant narrative changed when Origin was published, and recognition of direct human consanguinity with apes displaced the previous explanation. This fundamental change in the content of humanity's self-image sent profound and prolonged shock-waves through British society, and played an important role in shaping social change in the latter nineteenth century, including the emergence of "scientific racism", the rapid growth of animal rights and animal welfare movements, and evolving social norms in hygiene, morals and behaviour.