DK2-54 Ateos famosos: Daniel Dennett, 1a. parte

Introduction to Daniel Dennett

Overview of the Program

• This episode (254) focuses on science and faith, specifically discussing famous atheists.

• The featured expert is Daniel Dennett, an American philosopher known for his theories on consciousness.

Key Arguments by Daniel Dennett

• Dennett argues against the existence of the soul and spirit, suggesting that they do not exist alongside a deity.

• His philosophical approach presents extensive and compelling arguments regarding consciousness.

Dennett's Philosophy of Mind

Background Information

• Born in Boston in 1942, Dennett was recognized as a brilliant student with deep philosophical inquiries from a young age.

• He has dedicated much of his work to the philosophy of mind, which explores how mental states relate to physical processes in the brain.

Central Issues in Philosophy of Mind

• The main challenge is explaining how human experiences like emotions can be derived solely from brain activity.

• This topic straddles both philosophy and science; for Dennett, science serves as the primary source of knowledge.

Scientific Materialism and Subjectivity

Empirical Approach

• Dennett identifies himself as a scientific materialist who believes all explanations should stem from measurable observations akin to classical empiricism.

• He dismisses traditional notions of subjectivity as illusions, advocating for empirical observation over subjective reports when studying the mind.

Observations on Brain Activity

• Empirical studies show that brain activity is not hierarchically organized but occurs simultaneously across various regions.

• This leads to his conclusion that cognitive functions arise from competition among different brain areas rather than a singular decision-making process.

The Concept of Self According to Dennett

Illusion of Selfhood

• For Dennett, what we perceive as "self" is merely a sequence determined by which cognitive processes are most relevant at any given moment.

Understanding Consciousness and Subjectivity

The Nature of Subjectivity

• The speaker argues for the cancellation of subjectivity, suggesting that it hinders the study of consciousness. They claim this perspective explains human consciousness.

• According to the speaker, consciousness can be understood scientifically, implying a materialistic view of human existence.

Distinction Between Consciousness and Sense

• The speaker emphasizes the difference between "consciousness" and "sense" in English, indicating that they refer to different concepts.

• When discussing consciousness, the focus is on moral discernment—distinguishing between good and bad actions.

Illusion of Self

• The speaker describes consciousness as a persistent illusion where individuals assign names to their experiences, creating a narrative around their identity.