Consciousness Explained

Outline

Consciousness Explained (1991) offers a bold scientific theory of how consciousness arises from the activity of the brain. Daniel C. Dennett rejects the idea of a single place in the mind where experience comes together, which he calls the Cartesian theatre, and proposes instead his multiple drafts model. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, the book challenges common intuitions about the self and subjective experience.

• Consciousness arises from the activity of the brain, and the book offers a scientific theory of how this happens.
• Dennett rejects the idea of a single place in the mind where experience comes together, which he calls the Cartesian theatre.
• In its place he proposes the multiple drafts model, where consciousness comes from many parallel brain processes rather than one inner observer.
• The book draws on neuroscience, psychology and philosophy to question common intuitions about the self and subjective experience.

Daniel C. Dennett (1942–2024) was an American philosopher and cognitive scientist who taught at Tufts University, where he co-directed the Center for Cognitive Studies. He was known for his work on consciousness, free will, and evolution. His books include Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, Kinds of Minds, and From Bacteria to Bach and Back.