I've Been Thinking

by Daniel Dennett

Philosopher Daniel Dennett describes himself as a pack rat or a magpie – picking up ideas and facts that might be useful from a wide range of sources. His memoir reflects that. He has made connections with researchers in many fields, particularly evolutionary theory, neuroscience and computing and his distinctive philosophical career reflects that. He’s best known as a philosopher of consciousness, a defender of a compatibilism about free will, and as an uncompromising atheist. But the book describes his wide interests (which include music, sculpture, farming, and sailing), and includes some great anecdotes as well as a bit of score-settling with philosophers he has disagreed with over the years.