The Passing of Prof. Daniel Dennett

    Daniel C. Dennett, Widely Read and Fiercely Debated Philosopher, Dies at 82
    Espousing his ideas in best sellers, he insisted that religion was an illusion, free will was a fantasy and evolution could only be explained by natural…
    www.nytimes.com

    One of the less well-known among the so-called New Atheists, prof. Dennett has had a rich career working on problems relating to free will, evolutionary biology, and the origin of consciousness.

    I actually haven't read any of his books, but I do pause to note his passing. When I was around the age of 16 and Youtube was then brand new, videos of him and others helped me navigate my way out of Catholicism.

    Quote

    Ὁ θάνατος οὐδὲν πρὸς ἡμᾶς· τὸ γὰρ διαλυθὲν ἀναισθητεῖ· τὸ δ’ ἀναισθητοῦν οὐδὲν πρὸς ἡμᾶς.

    The last few interviews I've seen with him, I thought he was looking rough. That is sad news. I found his ideas thought-provoking and continue to wrestle with his views on free will. I found him compelling, common sensical, approachable, and down to earth. His voice will be missed, but his writings and videos will remain.

    Well lived, Dr. Dennett.

    This conversation between Dawkins and Dennett hits, probably inadvertently, a number of Epicurean themes. This seems to dovetail with the thread on what Epicurean philosophy offers in April 2024. We live in a time when Epicurus is present more often than not, often unacknowledged.

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