Daniel Dennett has died (dailynous.com)

Article summary

Daniel Dennett, a renowned philosopher and professor emeritus at Tufts University, has passed away. He was known for his work in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and his contributions to the concept of intentionality and debates on free will. Dennett wrote extensively on these topics and published several influential books, including 'Consciousness Explained' and 'From Bacteria to Bach and Back'. He was also a prominent figure in the New Atheism movement and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

Main themes

• Philosophy of mind
• Cognitive science
• Intentionality
• Free will
• New Atheism
• Philosophical legacy

What commenters say

• Daniel Dennett's work had a significant influence on the development of modern philosophy of physics, particularly in the areas of ontology and the nature of consciousness.
• Some commentators view Dennett's book 'Consciousness Explained' as reducing consciousness to physical processes, while others see it as a valuable contribution to the field.
• The concept of 'philosophical zombies' is seen as unproductive and unhelpful by some, while others view it as a legitimate thought experiment in the philosophy of mind.
• Dennett's legacy is celebrated by many as a champion of critical thinking and skepticism, while others criticize his views on certain topics, such as the nature of consciousness and free will.
• The distinction between 'quackery' and 'unproductive' philosophical ideas is seen as important, with some arguing that the former implies a deliberate attempt to deceive, while the latter simply refers to ideas that are not useful or insightful.
• The phenomenon of 'talking past each other' is recognized as a common problem in philosophical debates, where interlocutors may be using different definitions or frameworks, leading to misunderstandings and unproductive discussions.
• Dennett's approach to philosophy is seen as exemplary by some, who appreciate his ability to engage with scientific ideas and contribute to ongoing debates in a constructive way.
• The relationship between philosophy and science is viewed as complex and multifaceted, with some seeing philosophy as a necessary complement to scientific inquiry, while others view it as a separate and distinct field of study.