Daniel Dennett
Early Life and Education
Daniel Clement Dennett III was born on March 28, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Ruth Marjorie and Daniel Clement Dennett Jr., a historian and scholar specializing in the Middle East. Dennett spent part of his childhood in Lebanon, where his father was stationed during World War II.
Dennett attended Phillips Exeter Academy and then enrolled at Wesleyan University in 1959. He later transferred to Harvard University, where he studied under the renowned philosopher Willard Van Orman Quine. Dennett received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1963. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Oxford in 1965, where he studied under the philosopher of language Gilbert Ryle.
Career and Contributions to Philosophy
Dennett began his academic career at the University of California, Irvine, where he taught from 1965 to 1971. He then joined the faculty of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, where he is currently the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy and co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies.
Dennett is best known for his contributions to the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and philosophy of biology, particularly as those fields relate to evolutionary biology and cognitive science. He is a firm advocate of Darwinian principles, applying them not just to biological evolution but also to the fields of cognitive science and cultural evolution.
Dennett's work is widely cited in a variety of fields and has had a significant influence on areas such as cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology. His theories and ideas have sparked debates and discussions among philosophers, scientists, and even theologians.
Philosophy of Mind
In the philosophy of mind, Dennett is known for his theory of consciousness, which he explores in his book Consciousness Explained. He proposes a multiple drafts model of consciousness, arguing against the idea of a central theatre of the mind where experiences occur. Instead, he suggests that various cognitive processes in different parts of the brain simultaneously produce consciousness.
Dennett is also known for his concept of the "intentional stance", which is the idea that we can predict the behavior of an entity (be it a person, animal, or artifact) by attributing to it beliefs and desires, and assuming that it will act rationally to achieve its goals. This concept has been influential in fields such as artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology.
Philosophy of Science
In the philosophy of science, Dennett has made significant contributions to our understanding of evolution. He is a strong proponent of Richard Dawkins' concept of memes, which he sees as the cultural equivalent of genes. Dennett argues that just as biological evolution is driven by the survival of the fittest genes, cultural evolution is driven by the survival of the fittest memes.
Dennett also argues for a broad understanding of evolution, one that goes beyond biology. In his book Darwin's Dangerous Idea, he suggests that the algorithmic process of natural selection can be applied to explain not just biological evolution, but also phenomena in fields such as psychology, economics, and culture.
Philosophy of Religion
Dennett has also made contributions to the philosophy of religion. He is one of the "Four Horsemen of New Atheism", along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and the late Christopher Hitchens. Dennett's book Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon argues for a scientific analysis of religion in order to understand its origins and effects.
Personal Life
Dennett lives with his wife in North Andover, Massachusetts. They have two children and four grandchildren. Despite his busy academic career, Dennett is known for his love of sailing and fine woodworking, hobbies that he pursues in his spare time.
Legacy and Influence
Dennett's work has had a profound impact on a variety of fields. His theories and ideas have been the subject of numerous books and academic papers. His influence extends beyond academia, with his books being widely read by the general public and his ideas being discussed in popular media.
Despite the complexity of his ideas, Dennett is known for his ability to explain difficult concepts in an accessible and engaging way. His work continues to inspire and provoke thought, making him one of the most influential philosophers of our time.