Date of Birth: March 28, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Biography
Daniel Clement Dennett III is an American philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist renowned for his contributions to the philosophy of mind, science, and biology. Born on March 28, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Dennett grew up with an early interest in philosophy and science. He completed his undergraduate education at Harvard University, where he studied under W.V.O. Quine. He later earned his Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.) from the University of Oxford, where he was supervised by Gilbert Ryle, a prominent philosopher of mind. Dennett is best known for his work on the philosophy of mind, particularly his theories on consciousness, free will, and the nature of the self. His influential books include “Consciousness Explained” (1991), “Darwin’s Dangerous Idea” (1995), and “Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon” (2006). In these works, he often explores how naturalistic explanations can account for complex mental phenomena. Throughout his career, Dennett has held academic positions at several prestigious institutions. He is currently the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy, and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University. Dennett’s interdisciplinary approach, incorporating findings from evolutionary biology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence, has made him a key figure in contemporary philosophy.
5 Interesting Facts about Daniel Dennett
1. Daniel Dennett co-founded the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University with linguist Ray Jackendoff.
2. He is a prominent atheist and advocate for secularism, often participating in public debates on religion and science.
3. Dennett has been awarded several honorary degrees from institutions worldwide, including the University of Bucharest and the University of Edinburgh.
4. His book “Darwin’s Dangerous Idea” was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1995.
5. Dennett survived an aortic dissection in 2006, which he has described as a transformative experience.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Daniel Dennett
1. “The chief trick to making good mistakes is not to hide them—especially not from yourself.”
2. “There’s nothing I like less than bad arguments for a view that I hold dear.”
3. “The secret of happiness is: Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it.”
4. “People ache for certainty, and they find it in religion. But I think it’s a mistake. We should learn to live with uncertainty.”
5. “The mind is the brain doing its job.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Daniel Dennett’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Daniel Dennett has two children, a son, and a daughter, who have pursued careers outside of philosophy and academia.
Relevant Links
2. [Daniel Dennett’s Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Dennett
