Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Herodotus, Daniel C. Dennett and Terence Horgan

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2 ideas

25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 5. Education / b. Education principles
Learning is evolution in the brain [Dennett]
     Full Idea: Learning is evolution in the brain.
     From: Daniel C. Dennett (Daniel Dennett on himself [1994], p.238)
     A reaction: This is a rather non-conscious, associationist view, connected to Dawkins' idea of 'memes'. It seems at least partially correct.
25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 3. Abortion
Most people see an abortion differently if the foetus lacks a brain [Dennett]
     Full Idea: If a fetus that is being considered for abortion is known to be anencephalic (lacking a brain), this dramatically changes the issue for most people, though not for all.
     From: Daniel C. Dennett (Kinds of Minds [1996], Ch.1)
     A reaction: A very effective point, as it is hard to see what grounds could be given for not aborting in this case. But the brain then clearly becomes the focus of why abortion is often rejected by many people.