Dr. Daniel Todes

Biography

Daniel P. Todes is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. His research interests encompass social relations and scientific thought, particularly the historical narratives in biomedical and biological sciences, as well as the history of medicine and science in Russia. His academic journey into the history of science began during the Vietnam War era, where he was intrigued by how individuals change their perspectives during heated debates despite presented factual arguments. He explored this question deeply, leading him to study philosophy, psychology, sociology, and finally, history. He has authored several influential texts, including "Darwin Malthus: Struggle for Existence in Russian Evolutionary Thought" (1989) which examines how various social and cultural contexts shaped Russian responses to Darwinism. His work on Ivan Pavlov further expanded this inquiry into experimental science, culminating in the publication of "Pavlov’s Physiology Factory" (2002) and subsequent explorations of Pavlov's impact on physiology and psychology. He is currently collaborating with Eleonora Filippova on a study about Aleksei Ukhtomskii, delving into the interplay between scientific work and religious thought in late Imperial and Soviet Russia.

Research Interests