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Motivation and Education
Daniel Dennett was the son of Ruth Marjorie and Daniel Clement Dennett Jr. Ruth had her major in English and eventually obtained her masters and becoming an English teacher. Daniel's father had his PhD in Islamic studies from Harvard university. Daniel attended Wesleyan University before transferring to Harvard University in 1963 where he obtained his bachelor's in arts in Philosophy. He continued his education and in 1965, he received his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. -
Beginning works
While at Oxford began studying under Gilbert Ryle and wrote his doctoral thesis on the subject of consciousness. Which he later turned into his first book (Content and Consciousness - 1969). After Oxford he returned to the United States to teach at the University of California. In 1971 he moved to Tufts University in Medford where he was appointed University Professor. In 1985 he became director of the university’s Center for Cognitive Studies. -
Examination of the Conscious
Throughout his career he wrote a number of books that detailed his theories of consciousness. His first notable work on consciousness being (Consciousness Explained - 1991). Which he theorized that the conscious is like an academic paper that is being edited by multiple people, known as "multiple drafts" theory of consciousness. Another notable work being (Darwin Dangerous Idea - 1995) which he explained his view on how natural selection is not only applicable to biology but also the mind. -
Advancement in Evolutionary Theories
Dennett known as one of the four horse men in the counter apocalypse against religion. This title is due to Dennett's book (Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon - 2006) which helped in the advancement in evolutionary theories and the development of religious consideration. Dennett believed religion and faith are manmade with the intention to explain situations that are unexplainable. -
Impact on Today
Dennett with his education in philosophy has researched and written over dozens of books on the fields of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. In the 21st century his most recent work was (From Bacteria to Bach - 2017) which argued his stance on natural selection and the origin of consciousness. His works have and continue to challenge philosopher's theories and perspectives on consciousness.
