Is Daniel Dennett's Vision of a Secular World Desirable?

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The discussion centers around a biography of philosopher Dan Dennett, highlighting aspects of his life and philosophy, particularly his passion for sailing, which serves as a metaphor for navigating complex philosophical ideas. The conversation touches on Dennett's optimistic view of a secular and scientific future, contrasting it with religious doctrines, and his belief that superstitions will eventually fade. Participants express differing opinions on his views, with some critiquing his stance on atheism and the implications of advocating for a secular world. Concerns are raised about the potential consequences of imposing one's vision of an ideal world, with references to cultural contributions, such as music, that might be lost in a strictly secular society. Overall, the dialogue reflects a mix of admiration for Dennett's ideas and caution regarding their practical implications.
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A review of a biography of Dennett, no less. Has some stuff on his life, and some on his philosophy. Quite interesting, in my opinion.

http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,1192975,00.html

Dan Dennett is a sailor, with a billowing white beard and moustaches that he twiddles when thinking. He uses "salty" as a term of praise and has just bought a 42ft boat that sleeps five and could, if he wished, cross the Atlantic. His passion for sailing may be the best way to approach his philosophy. In both, un-charted and dangerous areas are to be navigated by explorers ingeniously equipped.
 
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Yeah that was special, wasn't it? I notice the article says he was born in Beirut, but the description below the article says New England.
 
I read it. I agree very interesting. I like how he said he was 'a Yankee optimist' rather catchy phrase.

I know Dennett is currently writing a new book called "Breaking The Spell", I will anticipate it greatly. Same with you?
 
Boy, that picture sure looks like it goes all the back to antiquity!


I have absolutely no doubt that the secular and scientific vision is right and deserves to be endorsed by everybody, and as we have seen over the last few thousand years, superstitious and religious doctrines will just have to give way.
Oh, I like that. Isn't that the same thing as saying only our religion is the true religion? :biggrin:

I guess we all know where he stands on any notion of Creator now don't we?
 
Oh good another fundamentalist nutter who needs to prove to the world what he already 'knows' to be true anyway.
 
Overdose said:
Oh good another fundamentalist nutter who needs to prove to the world what he already 'knows' to be true anyway.
I think there's plenty of foolishness to go around for everyone, don't you?
 
Calling names is futile. If you don't like somebody's ideas, then refute them if you can. I don't think the creator/non creator dialogue will ever end.
 
Oh, I like that. Isn't that the same thing as saying only our religion is the true religion?
Oh good another fundamentalist nutter who needs to prove to the world what he already 'knows' to be true anyway.

No, since the secular and scientific vision Dennett outlines is more or less the antithesis of what he considers to be religions. Notice the word 'vision', as opposed to principle, or dogma, or whatever. Vision here is a goal, an idea of how the world should be organised.

As he said: "The trouble with the word atheism is that there are so many different concepts of God it would be foolish to take them all on at once and say they are all rubbish."

He is saying that a secular world is one he would like to live in, and it would be the way our life and way of thought will evolve. He skirts carefully away from declaring any sort of absolute truth.
 
I found the sales pitch very interesting.
 
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FZ+ said:
[Dennett] is saying that a secular world is one he would like to live in, and it would be the way our life and way of thought will evolve.

I think Dennett should be careful; he may end up getting what he's asking for...

I don't think we live in an ideal world, but I'm really wary of people who think the world would be better only if it were the way they think it should be. When they act on their ideas, those kinds of people usually end up making the world a lot worse than it is.

As far as I'm concerned, a secular world would not have the music of J. S. Bach. That alone would not make me want to live in it.
 

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