I'm an author and philosopher of mind and cognitive scientist @philosophytufts.
Tufts University
- Tweets 755
- Following 69
- Followers 270,702
- Likes 110
This is my last tweet. The more I learn about Musk’s projects the less I want to associate with any of them.
DCD
1,108
965
8,994
1,635,863
I and many of my fellow Americans apologize to the world for our idiot President. Please bear with us while we try to keep him restrained.
165
1,465
4,326
The AHA statement about Dawkins rejects the interpretation that he was pointing to an apparent inconsistency in the current norms of political correctness, while simultaneously providing an example of precisely the confused thinking that he claims he was pointing out. Discuss.
121
209
2,090
The frightening fact is that if Trump stood before the cameras and honestly confessed to his lies, his diehard supporters would just conclude he’d been brainwashed by the deep state. He couldn’t undo the harm he’s done if he tried
104
236
1,691
Let's celebrate the new saint by turning Hitchens' book on her into a posthumous best-seller. amazon.com/Missionary-Positi…
50
969
1,567
A sigh of relief, seeing the return of civility and honesty after four years of lies and verbal abuse. Democracy is still a living possibility.
83
172
1,594
Got my new hip this AM and took my first steps at 5pm (with a walker and two nurses at my back)!
113
21
1,371
There are billions of atheists all over the world who rightly don’t dare admit it.
There are 7.8 billion humans but the leaders of Atheism are white men from the west!
@RichardDawkins @SamHarrisOrg @danieldennett @ChrisHitchens
122
113
1,369
Vladimir,
Please take your lapdog home with you when you return to Moscow. He’s been making a mess.
47
177
1,148
Here's a surprisingly useful thinking tool for anybody interested in the history of Western philosophy: a sort of garden of forking paths of argument.
denizcemonduygu.com/philo/
25
506
1,239
If, as many predict, doctors and nurses will soon have to make terrible choices about who gets the ventilator and who dies, they should send Trump brief descriptions of the patients waiting in line and demand he make the decision. After all, his inaction caused the crisis.
137
158
1,156
Man up, Republicans. Your creature in the White House is now wounded and dangerous. Help prevent him from doing desperate things. Curb your attack dog. You owe it to your fellow citizens.
56
127
1,105
piped.video/watch?v=WLxrxyk_…
Now THIS is the kind of message a great leader sends to her people. You don't have to understand German--the subtitles are excellent--to see what we need in this country.
if only. . . .
52
289
1,100
The Libet results on free will and their many descendants are crumbling now, and there is more to come. A nice case of science exposing hidden dualist assumptions in neuroscience.
theatlantic.com/health/archi…
69
349
1,025
Last night tends to confirm my interpretation that Trump has conceded the election and is now planning to contest the legitimacy of the vote. Scary.
55
120
975
Trump voters! Everybody makes mistakes and you had good reasons for your anger, but now, help undo the catastrophe unfolding.
71
382
909
I ‘m not used to being rescued by African Americans in Alabama and it feels fine! Thank you. You did something that was beyond the rest of us. Thank you again.
30
88
869
Helen Joyce shows how the best intentions can morph into bullying in this sane, humane book. The role we all play in letting people be who they want to be is a delicate balancing act, no place for self-righteous partisans.
amazon.co.uk/Trans-When-Ideo…
109
174
927
It’s hard to notice silence when everybody is crying for help but I am waiting to hear deep apologies from those who called this a hoax. When things calm down we’ll do a nose count. Who will go first?
34
160
889
In 2002 I was offered a ride to TED in the plane of a wealthy science philanthropist of whom I had never heard. I accepted. I am not clairvoyant. For all I know I may also have shaken hands with an embezzler or a drug smuggler somewhere. Of course I support Epstein's victims.
19
36
831
piped.video/watch?v=9QWaZp_2…
Nick's best version by far of his theory of consciousness:
the positive side of illusionism, with new lines of evidential support.
47
174
828
206,669
Regretful Trump voters: its not too late to apologize, join the lawful resistance and pass it on. Act now. Every day you wait adds guilt.
86
305
752
Those Republicans calling for unity can take the first step:announce to your constituents that you’ve known Trump has been lying for years and you didn’t call him out. Just say it loud and clear. Trump is lying. He lost the election fair and square.
45
115
767
I envy Republican senators. How often do people get a chance to be a hero without risking their lives? Be brave. Do the right thing.
17
311
739
It's WAY too late for any Republicans in Congress to emerge as patriots or heroes; their only hope now is to be forgiven by their friends for their dishonorable and craven self-interest, when they come to their senses and abandon Trump. Still, better than being a disgrace.
GOP in Congress: Only the first few who dump Trump will go down in history as patriots and heroes. The rest will embarrass their offspring.
26
132
703
Republican Senators! Think about it: this week is probably the last chance in your life to be a national hero. It won't kill you, and there will be honor and respect to outweigh whatever pain you encounter. It will be exciting, and you will know you did the right thing.
35
128
656
The best interview with me about consciousness, qualia and answering the Hard Question. Well done, Louis!
piped.video/watch?v=LdhHyvOh…
29
146
703
GOP in Congress: Only the first few who dump Trump will go down in history as patriots and heroes. The rest will embarrass their offspring.
30
187
644
Why Are We in the West So Weird? A Theory nytimes.com/2020/09/12/books…
28
187
699
Any politicians who try to get themselves or their families high priority on vaccination should be exposed and ridiculed. Fair warning.
44
77
663
Twenty-five years old and still number 1 on this list. I now have two books to read: Owen's #4 and #10.
theguardian.com/books/2017/s…
34
227
668
Democrats shouldn’t cooperate with any Republicans who don’t acknowledge their complicity with Trump’s lying.
51
61
571
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is suing Congress for banning nonbelievers from giving invocations. NYTimes ad today. Support it!
17
224
568
I have a good, constructive debate on free will, responsibility and punishment with Gregg Caruso. Do you want to live in a world without moral responsibility? I don't. aeon.co/essays/on-free-will-…
64
216
617
Why has it taken so long for mainstream journalism to call Trump what he obviously is: a sociopath? New Yorker on Tony Schwartz, ghostwriter
67
236
548
Daniel Dennett: ‘I begrudge every hour I have to spend worrying about politics’ theguardian.com/science/2017…
32
245
531
Those who are still baffled by my compatibilist theory of free will may find this clarifies things. Determinism does not 'tie your hands' or prevent you from exerting self-control.
ase.tufts.edu/cogstud/dennet…
69
112
565
Shame on these Know-nothing Pathetic Fraidy-cat, um, folks!
Richard Dawkins Event CANCELED kpfa.org/event/richard-dawki…
48
199
541
My new book with Gregg Caruso has my latest and best defense of the claim that free will in the only sense that matters is compatible with determinism. Check it out and let me know whether you are convinced.
debatingfreewill.com |
@danieldennett
|
74
121
544
I have just finished reading Edward Snowden’s book Permanent Record. Everybody should read it. Seriously. His whistleblowing is not over.
22
79
550
Our freedoms are much more valuable than "security." Grow a backone; accept the risks of a free society!
33
392
499
The Democratic candidates are all so much smarter and better-informed than Trump. And, just as obviously, they are all good honest people, not liars, racists, or pathologically narcissistic. It is just so clear.
78
69
510
If only more interviewers were as well-prepared and insightful as Jim Al-Khalili is! I enjoyed doing this, and enjoyed listening to it just now.
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b08kv3…
16
125
518
medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coron…
This is the best information/advice I've encountered on COVID-19.
17
255
504
Watch a doctor demonstrate how to safely bring groceries home during the coronavirus crisis dailykos.com/story/2020/3/25…
20
270
507
This is a well-made documentary on free will.
We sat down with one of philosophy's most well known compatibilists, Daniel Dennett (@danieldennett), and asked him why he thinks so many philosophers hold the compatibilist position.
Visit freewilldocumentary.com for more info.
#Freewill #philosophy #compatibilism #dandennett
24
128
507
Bullseye! Floridi KOs the Singularity.
True AI is both logically possible and utterly implausible – aeon.co/essays/true-ai-is-bo… via @aeonmag
62
273
493
Actually true, for once. Philosophy can teach children what Google can’t – and Ireland knows it | Charlotte Blease theguardian.com/commentisfre…
18
290
473
Republican senators are not just spineless; they're stupid if they can't see that their only hope of being fondly remembered in years to come is to take a 'heroic' stand now against the monster. But only the first few will get the glory, such as it would be.
37
56
463
How to understand cells, tissues and organisms as agents with agendas – aeon.co/essays/how-to-unders… via @aeonmag
My colleague Michael Levin has opened up a whole world of phenomena that are illuminated by adopting the intentional stance. He's been teaching me a lot. Check it out.
14
137
475
Isn't nature amazing!
This expedition explored never-before-seen ocean canyons and coral reefs deep in the sea off Western Australia. On Aeon Video: ow.ly/vc1N50AdQae
10
59
467
Take this VERY seriously. it is clear-eyed and realistic. 38north.org/2017/09/jdethoma…
45
329
434
Fox could do the nation a great service by asking for a show of hands of the candidates : raise your hand if you believe Biden was legally elected president in 2020. Any who didn’t raise their hands would then be asked what evidence they were relying on
64
33
453
83,993
AARGH! Scotty Hendricks misses the main point of my free will theory. There is NO indeterminism needed; a coin flip is 'random' but determined. We need deterministic chaos, not indeterminism. Causation is not control!
bigthink.com/culture-religio…
39
72
455
I took part in a documentary film about The Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster called @ipastafaridoc a while ago. Today I’ve had an advance look and am proud to say it is well done and thought-provoking. It will be premiering this October at the @nashfilmfest, R’Amen! #FSM
21
116
439
Apologists for ALL religions, not just Islam, should be ashamed of ISIS: look what "faith" can lead to.
whyevolutionistrue.wordpress…
137
402
416
mitpress.mit.edu/books/darwi…
If you want to take an intellectual roller-coaster ride through evolution all the way to meaning, this is a TRIP not to be missed. It's not for lazy thinkers, but it is mind candy for those who get into it.
11
106
435
My interview on free will with Robert Kuhn is now available. I think I manage to express my view quite clearly here, and will be interested in reactions.
piped.video/watch?v=Mc07mF67…
32
73
443
Joshua Rothman does a great job explaining what the consciousness controversy is all about. I'm very pleased.
newyorker.com/magazine/2017/…
17
223
431
Seriously, GOP congresspeople, what are you waiting for? a handout? Grow a backbone and do the right thing. We will all thank you.
21
78
382
Do the generals realize that their duty to obey the CommanderinChief lapses if they have reason to believe he is not well informed? Be brave
23
88
400
Now that I'm mobile again, thanks to a fine team of surgeons, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others, I want to reiterate my message of 2006. Thank goodness!
edge.org/3rd_culture/dennett…
23
27
430
An insightful review worth waiting 30 years for!
daniellowengrub.com/blog/202…
19
108
433
New link! The previous one had a problem with the audio. This is Louis Godbout's excellent interview with me about consciousness, illusion, and the Hard Question.
piped.video/watch?v=eSaEjLZI…
19
105
417
Cognition all the way down | Aeon aeon.co/essays/how-to-unders…
18
111
402
How blindsight answers the hard problem of consciousness – aeon.co/essays/how-blindsigh… via @aeonmag
Nick sees that a good theory of consciousness must explain why consciousness is the way it is, and his new speculations are a bold but well-evidenced step in the right direction.
36
111
411
Archibald Cox disobeyed Nixon. He was a national hero, not a traitor. Only dictators demand unconditional loyalty.
13
133
385
"Scientists have power by virtue of the respect commanded by the discipline. We may therefore be strongly tempted to misuse that power in furthering a personal prejudice or social goal . . .But we cannot, lest we lose the very respect that tempted us in the first place." S. Gould
17
67
389
Trump has blinded himself: no intelligence service in the world will share their intel with the blabbermouth, including the CIA and the FBI.
17
111
368
these are good points; don't let folks forget them.
Guns Aren’t a Bulwark Against Tyranny. The Rule of Law Is. nyti.ms/2yJNx9y
47
142
372
If you're looking for an exhilarating and challenging bout of thinking, see if you're up to David Haig's mind-bending book. See the world through new eyes and learn a ton of biology. The joy of thinking.
ase.tufts.edu/cogstud/dennet…
11
62
405
Thanks to Megan Collins for this meme: every time Trump lies, his necktie grows a little longer, the Pinocchio effect.
18
90
369
Excellent essay on information. How a polymath transformed our understanding of information – aeon.co/essays/how-a-polymat… via @aeonmag
7
209
396
The day after I finished the draft of Consciousness Explained, we bought this house, and now we're moving on after 27 years. May whoever buys it have as much pleasure and adventure in it as we have had!
piped.video/watch?v=QuXmj7xx…
29
17
364
Wake up, Banana Republicans in the Senate! If you don't want to go down in history as complicit in the destruction of the rule of law in the USA, you don't have much time left.
24
66
364
An exploration of a fine example of competence without comprehension, via a distributed process of unconscious, unintended adjustments. Words as memes.
Why language might be the optimal self-regulating system – aeon.co/essays/why-language-… via @aeonmag
13
145
362
How often do you get to look out for yourself and be a hero at the same time? Stay home, plan carefully, wash your hands and help save your fellow citizens all at once.
5
66
360
Why Amartya Sen remains the century’s great critic of capitalism – aeon.co/ideas/why-amartya-se… via @aeonmag
12
136
326
Notice anything unusual about the Edward Gorey cover on the 40th anniversary edition of BRAINSTORMS? (MIT Press). I added a retrospective essay including some seldom-told tales.
20
42
326
Some recent thoughts of mine.
now.tufts.edu/articles/danie…
29
108
330
Spinoza scooped me! Fascinating new interpretation of Spinoza.
ase.tufts.edu/cogstud/dennet…
11
75
332
For the philosopher who has everything: a Hume hat like mine. order while the velvet lasts.
philsoc.eu/turban.html
29
188
326
One woman’s six-word mantra that has helped to calm millions – psyche.co/ideas/one-womans-s… via @psyche_the_mag
She's right. I know from experience how valuable her mantra is. put it in your first aid kit.
18
66
321
Another excellent interview, this time with Sean Carroll. Audio, not video. If you haven't overdosed on Dennett in the last few days, this will clarify key points.
preposterousuniverse.com/pod…
34
51
312
How Plato Foresaw Facebook’s Folly nyti.ms/2DrlFfV
Definitely worth reading now, and sharing.
12
143
310