Welcome to Episode 36 (Part I of II), where we'll be discussing philosophy of religion with Professor of philosophy, Daniel C. Dennett.
In the words of A. C. Grayling, Professor "Daniel C. Dennett is perhaps the most distinguished philosopher in the world".
In a 2013 study by Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, alongside philosophers Slavoj Zizek and Peter Singer, Daniel Dennett was ranked amongst the top 5 global thought leaders.
Currently the co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies and the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University, Daniel is best known for his contributions to cognitive science, philosophy of mind and philosophy of religion. His works Consciousness Explained, Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Breaking the Spell and his latest work, From Bacteria to Bach and Back have had an immense impact in the worlds of philosophy and science.
For many, Daniel Dennett, known as ‘one of the four horsemen of new atheism’, is a household name, celebrated as a man who has explained away the hard problem of consciousness, religion, and fundamental questions surrounding free-will.
We’re going to be discussing Daniel Dennett’s approach to philosophy of religion in Part I, before we dive into philosophy of mind in Part II.
The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/explains away religion
Part I. Philosophy of Religion
Part II. Philosophy of Mind
Reading and References
Daniel C. Dennett, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
Daniel C. Dennett, Consciousness Explained
Daniel C. Dennett, Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life
Daniel C. Dennett, From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds
Daniel C. Dennett, Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking
Plantinga, A. and Dennett, D., Science and Religion: Are They Compatible?
Video: The Four Horseman - Hitchens, Dawkins, Dennet, Harris [2007]