Call for Papers
This special issue of Synthese seeks to explore the breadth and depth of Daniel Dennett’s ideas across a range of disciplines, including scientific ontology, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and discussions of consciousness and free will This SI celebrates the interdisciplinary nature of his work, exploring how it serves as a springboard for current advancements in cognitive science, AI, neuroscience, and theoretical biology.
Appropriate Topics for Submission include, among others:
• Dennett’s Philosophy and Contemporary Scientific Breakthroughs: This section explores the interplay between Dennett’s ideas and recent advancements in cognitive science, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and theoretical biology. How have these fields influenced, and been influenced by, Dennett’s work?
• Real Patterns and the Ontology of Reality: Dennett’s concept of “real patterns” offers a distinctive ontological perspective that challenges traditional metaphysical views. What are the implications of real patterns for understanding reality, particularly in relation to the scientific image and metaphysical naturalism?
• Free Will and Compatibilism: Dennett’s defence of compatibilism—the reconciliation of free will with determinism—presents a novel approach to the longstanding problem of free will. Submissions are invited to discuss and/or refine Dennett’s stance on compatibilism, exploring his naturalistic understanding of free will and its ramifications for moral responsibility and ethical theory.
• Consciousness and Illusionism: Dennett’s “illusionism” proposes that consciousness is not as it seems and that our introspective beliefs about conscious experience might be systematically erroneous. This section invites contributions that delve into this theme and unpack the implications of Dennett’s work on illusionism within the wider context of theories of mind, cognitive science, and the philosophy of perception.
• The Scientific Image and Philosophical Naturalism: Central to Dennett’s work is the relationship between the scientific image and the philosophical understanding of human nature. The SI invites contributors to examine how Dennett integrates scientific theories into philosophical discourse and to evaluate the methodological implications of his naturalistic approach.
• Evolutionary Theory: Dennett has extensively applied evolutionary theory to philosophical questions. This section explores the significance of Dennett’s work for evolutionary epistemology, cultural evolution, and the philosophy of biology.
• The Intentional Stance: This section examines Dennett’s theory of the intentional stance, focusing on its significance in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Discussions may include how this theory has influenced contemporary thought on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Critiques and Challenges: While Dennett’s work has been highly influential, it has also faced significant criticism. The SI invites critical evaluations and alternative perspectives on his philosophy, aiming to provide a balanced view of his contributions and the challenges they face.
• For further information, please contact the guest editor(s):
• BENI, Majid D. (METU); mbeni@metu.edu.tr
• PIETARINEN, Ahti-Veikko (HKBU); pietarinen@hkbu.edu.hk
• Submissions via: https://www.editorialmanager.com/synt/default.aspx
• The deadline for submissions is 28 March 2025