Daniel Dennett
Reconciling Science and Our Self-Conception
Key Contemporary Thinkers
Daniel Dennett is one of the most influential thinkers at the
interface between philosophy and science. This book is the first
comprehensive examination of Dennett's ideas on the nature of
thought, consciousness, free will, and the significance of
Darwinism.
* * A highly original introduction to contemporary thinking about
the relationship between mind and science.
* This is the first comprehensive examination of Dennett's
ideas on the nature of thought, consciousness, free will, and the
significance of Darwinism.
* Examines Dennett's unique response to the question of
when and how science should affect the conception that we have of
ourselves.
* Casts new light on specific controversies: Could robots ever
think, feel, and enjoy freedom? Does Dennett really explain
consciousness? Are mental states real or merely 'useful
fictions'? Do we have free will? Is the self a 'centre
of narrative gravity'?
Abbreviations.
Preface.
1. Dennett and the Philosophy of Mind.
2. Adopting A Stance.
3. Real Patterns.
4. Different Kinds Of Psychology.
5. Explaining Consciousness: The Basic Account.
6. Explaining Consciousness:Developments, Doubts And The
Self.
7. Dennett's Darwin.
8. A Variety Of Free Will Worth Wanting.
Notes.
Glossary.
Bibliography.
Index
get to grips with Dennett's rich and expansive vision." David
Bain, The Philosophical Quarterly April 2005
'For over thirty years Daniel Dennett has been among the
most important, innovative and engaging philosophers in the world.
With the appearance of his book, Consciousness Explained, in
1991, his fame and his influence spread throughout the academic
world and beyond. While there has been a great deal written about
Dennett's ideas, until now we have had no systematic,
integrated account of the "real patterns" that run through
Dennett's philosophy. Elton's clear, readable and
well-informed book provides just such an account. This is the ideal
book for readers - and they are many - who've
been captivated by reading Dennett's work and want to
understand how the themes that he explores with such intellectual
exuberance fit together in an integrated account of human agents
and the sciences that study them.' - Professor
Stephen Stich, Department of Philosophy and Center for Cognitive
Science, Rutgers University
'This is an excellent introduction to the twists and turns
of Dennett's thinking. In guiding the reader through a
luminous yet sometimes puzzling maze of images, empirical
excursions, thought experiments and hard arguments, Matthew Elton
lays bare the deep unifying agenda that animates all of
Dennett's work. Combining the roles of careful critic and
generous host, Elton's patient excavations will help the
novice and excite the expert.' - Professor Andy
Clark, Director of the Cognitive Science Program, Department of
Philosophy, Indiana University