

#3169
Mentioned in 9 episodes
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Evolution and the Meanings of Life
Book • 1995
In 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea', Daniel C. Dennett defends and expands upon Darwin's theory of evolution, describing natural selection as a mindless, mechanical, and algorithmic process.
Dennett argues that this 'dangerous idea' challenges traditional views of design and purpose, suggesting that complex life forms can arise without the need for a designer.
He critiques various philosophical and scientific theories, including those of Noam Chomsky, Stephen Jay Gould, and Roger Penrose, and discusses the implications of evolutionary thinking on ethics, morality, and human culture.
The book also introduces concepts such as 'skyhooks' and 'cranes' to explain resistance to Darwinism and the role of memes in cultural evolution.
Dennett argues that this 'dangerous idea' challenges traditional views of design and purpose, suggesting that complex life forms can arise without the need for a designer.
He critiques various philosophical and scientific theories, including those of Noam Chomsky, Stephen Jay Gould, and Roger Penrose, and discusses the implications of evolutionary thinking on ethics, morality, and human culture.
The book also introduces concepts such as 'skyhooks' and 'cranes' to explain resistance to Darwinism and the role of memes in cultural evolution.
Mentioned by



















Mentioned in 9 episodes
Mentioned by 

as an influential book on evolutionary thinking.


Michael Mauboussin

344 snips
#1 Michael Mauboussin: When To Trust Your Gut
Mentioned by 

as one of Dennett's books.


Sean Carroll

96 snips
78 | Daniel Dennett on Minds, Patterns, and the Scientific Image
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson as a book that explores the relationship between evolution and the meaning of life.

68 snips
438. Aboutness, Secular vs. Religious Ethics, & Plato’s Aviary | Dr. Daniel Dennett
Mentioned by 

as one of Dennett's notable works.


Tim Scarfe

36 snips
Prof. Daniel Dennett - Could AI Counterfeit People Destroy Civilization? (SPECIAL EDITION)
Mentioned by 

as a response to Jerry Fodor's views on natural selection.


Daniel Dennett

25 snips
Adventures in Philosophy with Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins
Mentioned by 

as one of his most important books.


Sean Carroll

19 snips
AMA | May 2024
Mentioned by 

when discussing Dan Dennett's work bridging philosophy and science.


Sam Harris

18 snips
#365 — Reality Check
Mentioned by the 

when discussing Darwin's ideas.


Raw Egg Nationalist

16 snips
Eat Like Your Ancestors with Raw Egg Nationalist
Mentioned by 

as one of the best books on evolution.


Darren McKee

TRC #687: Remembering Daniel Dennett
Mentioned by 

as a book that influenced him, highlighting the profound effect of evolutionary thinking.


Roy Bahat

20VC Exclusive: Roy Bahat on Bloomberg Beta's New Fund, The Truth About Valuation That Very Few VCs Will Tell You & Why Founders of Venture Backed Startups Make The Best Angels
Mentioned by Neil and Nat in relation to his ideas on consciousness and his responses to Nagel's essay.

56: What Is It Like To Be A Bat by Thomas Nagel
Mentioned by 

when discussing Dan Dennett's work on evolution.


Lee Cronin

#289 - DARPA Scientist on Intelligent Life, The Universe, God & AI | Lee Cronin
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of thermodynamic terms in biology.

Bobby Azarian

Bobby Azarian: The Beauty of Evolutionary Thinking
Mentioned in relation to Daniel Dennett's book "Darwin's Dangerous Idea."

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