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Birth
Born March 28th, 1942 in Boston, MA.
Daniel Dennett was the first born child of Ruth Marjorie and Daniel Clement Dennett Jr. -
Phillips Exeter Academy
Daniel Dennett received his diploma from Exeter Academy, the school is located in Exeter, New Hampshire. -
Harvard University
Daniel Dennetts first year was spent at Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts college. He then transferred to Harvard University where he received his Bachelor's of Arts in Philosophy. -
Oxford Master Degree
He received his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Dennett studied under Gilbert Ryle during his time at Oxford. -
Content and Consciousness
He published his book Content and Consciousness, which discusses the nature of consciousness. Dennett worked to develop a theory of the human mind and consciousness, from new challenging advances, which soon, would be known as cognitive science. -
Brainstorms
He published his book, " Brainstorms: Philosophical Essays on Mind and Psychology." The book goes into the topic of artificial intelligence and consciousness. -
Elbow Room
In 1984, Dennett published Elbow Room. His most notable work, "Free will", Dennett argues that the varieties of free will worth wanting. He uses a two-stage model from a libertarian views. Which includes making an important decision, calling it a consideration generator. Decision that one immediately rejects as irrelevant. Then looks at other possibilities through reasoning process, ultimately serve as predictors of one's final decision. -
Video
Daniel Dennett on free will.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joCOWaaTj4A Accessed May 4, 2019. -
Consciousness Explained
Daniel Dennett published the book, Consciousness Explained, In this book he provides a comprehensive analysis on the physical and cognitive makeup of the human brain. -
MIT
Dennett worked with the team at MIT, on the attempt to construct an intelligent and possibly conscious robot called Cog. He saw a danger in a machine performing basic tasks in perception, memory, and mathematical computations. He knew going into this project, that it was impossible to give consciousness to a robot. However, anytime you do a project of this magnitude there is always something to learn. -
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Was published in 1995. The book focuses on the theory of natural selection. Showcasing Darwin's views on humanity's place in the universe. Dennett explains the theory and extends Darwin's vision with impeccable arguments to there conclusions. Challenging the views of famous scientists of our day. -
Freedom Evolves
Dennett published yet another book. This one was called "Freedom Evolves." This book was best known for its concepts of free will in a "deterministic world." He talks about how animals like ourselves have evolved to have free will and morality. -
AHA
Dennett was named the Humanist of the Year by the American Humanist Association, which is a non-profit organization in the United States the advances secular humanism. Affirms the ability and responsibility of human beings that aspire to the greater good of humanity. -
Breaking the Spell
is another book he published. Dennett examines religion scientifically. Asking the questions how and why. He attempts to explain religious beliefs coming from social behavior. He looks at religions as a natural phenomenon. He is also referred to as one of the "Four Horseman of New Atheism". He has also been researching clerics who are secretly atheists and how they justify their work. -
FFRF
He was named to the Freedom From Religion Foundation's Honorary Board of distinguished achievers.Freedom From Religion Foundation promotes the separation of church and state, to educate the public on matters relating to atheism, agnosticism, and non-theism. -
Center for Cognitive Studies
In 2017, Dennett became the co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies. Located at Tufts University, this research unit is the home of many research programs for students who are pursuing degrees in cognitive studies. -
Radboud University
In 2018, Daniel Dennett was awarded an honorary degree for his contributions to the university and his influence on cross-disciplinary science. -
Citations
http://www.informationphilosopher.com/solutions/philosophers/dennett/ Accessed May 4, 2019 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Humanist_Association Accessed May 4, 2019 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Dennett#Early_life,_education,_and_career Accessed May 4, 2019 The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Daniel C. Dennett." Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 June 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Daniel-C-Dennett. Accessed 7 June 2020.
