'If we understand how amazingly intricate and wonderful and ingenious nature is in allowing us to understand things and create things, think ahead, we would dismiss the magical ideas out of hand.' -Daniel Dennet, interviewing with 'BigThink'
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dennett during my time in Oxford. I was part of a team that hosted him for an event. He was like Santa Claus - tall, with a white beard, and incredibly open and warm-hearted.
Dennett’s work on consciousness, cognitive science, and evolution had a significant impact on my thesis about humans, language, and evolution. His most inspiring work remains ‘Darwin’s Dangerous Idea’.
However, that was a very different time in my life. Immersed in analytical philosophy, science, and the competitive intellectual life of the city, it feels worlds apart from where I am now—surrounded by forests and based at a retreat centre that hosts groups focused on spiritual transformation.
These days, many people I encounter are weary of the world of science and weary of 'hard-line' characters like Dennett, who prioritize science and reason above all else. The argument is that that emotions and feelings are far more significant, and that the world of science tends to overlook these aspects. I can't say I disagree with this. Ultimately, I had to step away from academia because I found I couldn't cope. As much as I aspired to be part of the world of research and lecturing, it demanded a level of energy and resilience that I simply couldn't summon.
However, as I reflect on Dennett's passing and his character, I find myself still drawn to his work and his dedication to reason and the scientific method. His arguments about the drawbacks of faith and spirituality continue to resonate with me. I felt compelled to step into the spiritual realm, but as I look around, I see that the world of intuitive thinkers and new age spirituality often lacks the rigour, discipline, and inquiry required to truly discover 'the truth'.
While it's true that we need to find and align ourselves with our inner truths, I believe we also need to keep in mind the very real possibility of an 'external' or 'objective' truth we are all dependent on—something that our scientists are diligently working to uncover. These truths can often challenge or even contradict our subjective truths and intuitions. Will there ever be a way to reconcile the two? At Wye Philosophy I intend to explore and use both perspectives.
If you are interested in exploring Dennett's approach to philosophy and science, I highly recommend this interview from 'Big Think'.
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