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Daniel Dennett

American philosopher (1942–2024).

Born March 28th, 1942 in Boston.

Died April 19th, 2024 at 82 years old in Portland. [ref]

Occupations
philosopher, professor, researcher, writer
Wikipedia
Twitter

On April 19, 2024, the world lost a highly respected and influential philosopher and cognitive scientist, Daniel Dennett. At the age of 82, Dennett passed away in his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Born on March 28, 1942 in Boston, Dennett showed an early interest in philosophy and received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Harvard University in 1963. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Oxford in 1965 and later joined the faculty at Tufts University, where he remained for over 50 years. Dennett's contributions to the field of philosophy were vast and wide-ranging, but he was perhaps most well-known for his theories on consciousness, free will, and evolution. His works, including "The Mind's I" and "Consciousness Explained" challenged traditional beliefs and sparked lively debates among his peers. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dennett was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books and articles throughout his career. He was also a sought-after speaker and lecturer, known for his thought-provoking and insightful presentations. Dennett's impact extended beyond the academic realm. He was known as a key figure in the New Atheism movement and was a strong advocate for the separation of church and state. Throughout his life, Dennett received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the fields of philosophy and cognitive science. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society. Although Dennett's passing is a great loss to the academic and philosophical communities, his legacy will continue to live on through his influential works and the impact he had on those he taught and mentored. Daniel Dennett will be remembered as a brilliant and inquisitive mind who challenged traditional beliefs and pushed the boundaries of philosophical thinking. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

For life be, after all, only a waitin’ for somethin’ else than what we’re doin’; and death be all that we can rightly depend on. Bram Stoker