Definition:
Daniel Clement Dennett III is an American philosopher, cognitive scientist, and writer.
Biography:
Daniel Dennett was born on March 28, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Harvard University in 1963 and his Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy from the University of Oxford in 1965.
Contributions:
Dennett is known for his work in the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and cognitive science. He has made significant contributions to fields such as consciousness, artificial intelligence, evolutionary biology, and free will.
Key Ideas:
Some of Dennett’s key ideas include:
- Multiple Drafts Model of Consciousness: Dennett proposed the view that consciousness is not a single stream of experiences but a series of constantly evolving drafts.
- Intentional Systems Theory: He developed the intentional systems theory, which treats certain entities as intentional systems capable of goals, beliefs, and desires.
- Darwinian Theory of Evolution: Dennett has applied Darwinian principles to various areas of philosophy, including consciousness and cultural evolution.
- Compatibilism: He defends a compatibilist stance on free will, arguing that it is compatible with determinism.
Notable Works:
Dennett has authored numerous influential books, including:
- Consciousness Explained (1991)
- Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (1995)
- Freedom Evolves (2003)
- Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon (2006)
Awards and Recognitions:
Daniel Dennett has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to philosophy and cognitive science, including the Erasmus Prize (2012) and the Jean Nicod Prize (2014).