Closer To Truth Dan Dennett on the Mysteries of the Mind
20 snips
Oct 4, 2023 
Philosopher and cognitive scientist, Dan Dennett, discusses the mysteries of the mind in his memoir. Topics include language, evolution, logic, religion, free will, consciousness, and AI. Insights on Cartesian Materialism, Intentional Stance, and Darwinism. The illusion of reality and the concept of illusionism. Determinism, unpredictability, and the potential dangers of AI. Analyzing religion as a natural phenomenon. Humor, evolution, and consciousness.
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Schmess and Meaningless Philosophy
- Dennett's "Schmess" is a chess variant where the king moves two squares.
- It explores how philosophy can create intricate but ultimately meaningless systems.
Content Precedes Consciousness
- Dennett prioritizes understanding "content" before "consciousness."
- Simple organisms react to meaning without complex consciousness.
Universal Darwinism
- Darwinian processes act as a universal design mechanism, creating order from chaos.
- This "ratchet" drives evolution and likely operates wherever life exists.