In Memoriam: Daniel Dennett - Krzysztof Dolega (PhD)

Daniel C. Dennett (1942–2024) was one of the most influential philosophers of mind and cognitive science, influencing how we understand consciousness, free will, and intelligence. Through his work, he challenged traditional assumptions about the mind, rejecting the idea of a central “Cartesian Theater” and instead advocating for a more distributed, evolutionary, and functionalist view of cognition. Dennett’s groundbreaking books—Consciousness Explained (1991), Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (1995), and From Bacteria to Bach and Back (2017)—bridged philosophy, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology. His idea of the intentional stance provided a powerful framework for understanding both human and artificial minds, influencing not only philosophy but also AI research, psychology, and robotics. Dennett’s legacy extended far beyond these topics, shaping public discourse on science, religion, and the future of intelligence. His sharp wit, intellectual rigor, and unwavering curiosity inspired generations of thinkers. Sadly, he passed away on 28th March, 2024. To honor his life and work, we held a special event.

We thank Krzysztof Dolega (PhD), cognitive scientist and philosopher at the Ruhr University Bochum, for accepting our invitation and joining us as a speaker in this event. In his talk, we explored and discussed the work of Daniel Dennett, engaging with key questions at the intersection of philosophy and cognitive science. We are grateful for his insightful contributions and for sharing his expertise with our community.

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