Daniel Dennett: Reconciling Science and Our Self-Conception Hardback - 2003 - 1st Edition
by Matthew Elton
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From the publisher
First line
From the rear cover
Elton examines Dennett's unique response to the question of when and how science should affect the conception that we have of ourselves. Whilst rejecting reductionism on the grounds that much of our self-conception is immune to revision, Dennett also rejects the idea that science has nothing to say about our self-conception - an idea that still flourishes within contemporary philosophy. What emerges is a view in which our understanding of ourselves is constrained by, but not continuous with, scientific inquiry.
Elton excels at bringing out the themes that bind together different aspects of Dennett's work. At the same time he casts new light on more specific controversies: Could robots ever think, feel, and enjoy freedom? Does Dennett really explain consciousness? Are mental states real or merely 'useful fictions'? Do we have free will? Is the self a 'centre of narrative gravity'?
Written in an exceptionally clear and engaging style, the book is a highly original introduction to contemporary thinking about the relationship between mind and science.
Details
- Title Daniel Dennett: Reconciling Science and Our Self-Conception
- Author Matthew Elton
- Binding Hardback
- Edition number 1st
- Edition 1
- Pages 312
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Polity Press
- Publication date September 1, 2003
- Features Bibliography, Glossary, Index
- ISBN 9780745621166 / 0745621163
- Weight 1.26 lbs (0.57 kg)
- Dimensions 9.46 x 6 x 1.13 in (24.03 x 15.24 x 2.87 cm)
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Themes
- Chronological Period: Modern
- Category Philosophy
- Library of Congress subjects Dennett, Daniel Clement
- Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2002156336
- Dewey Decimal Code 191
