DAN DENNETT AT HIS BEST

[@Zeuts85]

Dennett is such a badass. I think Bill did a fantastic job too. Yes he's religious, and yes he was somewhat oppositional to Dan, but he kept it very civil and did a great job of articulating the objections and concerns of the moderate religious side, giving Dennett an excellent platform to express his ideas. Fantastic interview.

[@apinakapina]

Indeed, a great interview. Dennett's replies are good, but so are Moyers' questions. You seldom see such a professional interviewer who's able to express his own views in a manner that doesn't stifle the discussion.

[@EnhancedNightmare]

+apinakapina I think this is generational. People don't know how to discuss anymore. I don't only mean facebook/Ipad generations but the younger ones too.

[@spooky9477]

I was deeply impressed by there civility, and cool headedness. I could have sat and listened to these two talk all day, and get the impression they could have as well. It seems to me at least they where genuinely enjoying the conversation.

[@ShroomRPG]

I could walk into any cathedral in England and be deeply moved by it, because of its history, its culture, its architectural brilliance. I would get a similar feeling in a castle or any great historical building, nothing to do with religion.

[@omigodponies]

+Dewayne C Indeed the Parthenon is a beautiful building but I won't be offering sacrifices to Athena.

[@brodericksiz625]

+omigodponies well said

[@ArchHades]

+Dewayne C That's because all that stuff is the expression of the soul.

[@TheWizardTimelord]

when you have good taste in Shinobu and are intelligent 10/10

[@TheWizardTimelord]

***** non-existant that's what lol

[@Ianoxen]

He addresses everything straightforward and in a calm manner. If all parents and teachers talk like this then children might actually listen and understand.

[@동동동-x9b]

That would really be a utopia

[@altrefrontiere2354]

actually, the majority of parent don't (and don't want others to) talk to their children in a "straightforward and in a calm manner". They brainwash and permit others to brainwash their children about religion. That's the only reason why old religions survive: brainwashing through generations.

[@wildwilly4266]

Really like Dennett's ability to articulate religious hypocrisy without insulting people who are religious -

[@peterkoolwijk4149]

Dat is de enge manier om en echt gesprek te krijgen. Er is immers geen verschil tussen de wensen van gelovigen van ongelovigen!

[@KnightParagon]

Rest in Peace Dan, I'll never forget the impact you've made on my life

[@joshuacolumbus]

Likewise with me. He was truly one of a dying breed and a monumental loss.

[@iemy2949]

Indeed.

[@Ileroi]

@@joshuacolumbus How can you live as an atheist?

[@stevepowsinger733]

As I count, two of the four horsemen are now gone.

[@hawkesworth1712]

A very intelligent discussion on both sides. It doesn't happen very often.

[@lynnlynn983]

This is a great interview! Great questions by Bill Moyers and wonderful answers by Dan Dennett.

[@almo318]

Excellent talk by Dan Dennett, one very smart cookie.

[@1827Beethoven]

I watched the whole interview and like Daniel Dennett even more now than when I first started, which I didn't think was possible!

[@sweetshaman]

Bill Moyers is maddening. Moyers: "But God is beyond science" Dennett: "Of course he is. Because that is how you have defined it." God is a parlor trick - not a real thing.

[@jbloomfield44]

it's not even a parlour trick....it is just bullshit....

[@AbsolemLNG]

John Bloomfield Parlor tricks are actually impressive. They require some skill. Anyone can just make some shit up.

[@jonathandough9413]

Sweetshamam: Apparently you don't get it that throughout this interview Moyers raises the objections of Dennett's critics, so that Dennett can respond to them and explain.

[@lss922]

I liked the host, he's been polite and didn't entrench in his views. The way Dennett and him debated should be an example or everybody: no personal accusations or any low blows, just a reasonable flow of opinions and theory.

[@ogopolo]

sweetshaman It's confusing how people will then try to argue scientifically Religion.

[@konberner170]

Playing the faith card needs to be taken off the table. Brilliant way to state this!

[@EwaBialkowski]

Excellent interview. Dan Dennett has more heart than I have ever given him credit for.

[@stelio2239]

This is my introduction to Dan Dennett.....please excuse my ignorance!!! He is a brilliant ...... and I'll get onto published works ASAP.

[@1pointt21gW]

"I think we have to stop honoring people for stopping thinking." Now THAT is my kind of riff. :) Thanks for posting. :)

[@scottrussell2281]

I love his approach. He gets the message across without being quite as polarizing as Hitchens. Faith vs. Lucille was a gem. I also love the term "enforced ignorance", when he was speaking to toxic religions. Very intelligent man who is very well spoken. I hope his mindset becomes far more widespread.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Scott Russell Well,...you can hope in one hand and crap in the other and see which gets filled first before Jesus arrives.

[@Dasein2005]

25:35 - what do we DO? Connected to not thinking.

[@msoni21]

Brilliant talk.

[@abinstein]

This is a great conversation. Dan Dennett is really good... so is Bill Moyers!

[@AA1319A]

Dan is such a cool guy. I love his books and his lectures.

[@smhht]

Fantastic interview. The sense that comes out of Dennet's mouth is remarkable.

[@MrDorbel]

Great ideas, excellent interviewer, a valuable thought stimulater. Thanks for posting.

[@flippgoofman1868]

What a wonderful thoughtful interview. Really enjoyed watching this.

[@pRODIGAL_sKEPTIC]

Also, hats off to the interview for asking excellent questions, and actually waiting for the answers. Getting flustered makes many interviews and debaters seem weak.

[@alexalcan]

I just love Dan Dennett. Focusing more on the important things.

[@fdakis]

Love this guy. He represents atheists even better than Sam Harris. Respectful, level-headed and understanding.

[@heirofdennett]

+Francis Dakis Sam Harris is embarrassing with respect to religion.

[@Ianoxen]

Sam Harris is on more of a militant approach. Which angers a WHOLE LOT of people.

[@fdakis]

Nai Xo I'd say that's a closer description of Dawkins than Harris.

[@JackeryPumpkin]

Tarik LaCour, I'm going to ask you why, but with the caveat that you're not allowed to use the words, "bigot" or "racist" or "hateful" or "islamaphobe". So here goes: why?

[@heirofdennett]

I don't think that Harris is a bigot or any of the other words you say. He takes a very fundamentalist reading of scripture as though that is how all members of a religion engage scripture. He is too smart for that, he needs to engage with the best minds in religion.

[@gatorama420]

I love Dan Dennett!

[@captainnemo314]

This guy is a boss. So eloquent and polite yet poignant!

[@armchair8258]

Didn't know Denett was this brilliant. The articulation of ideas was just superb: "This is a bad pun. This isn't something they all believe in ." What do they believe in ? "They believe in belief. They believe that belief in god is so important that you should never think of abandoning it even if it meant changing the meaning of god so much that it is unrecognizable to everyone else"

[@UnlimitedLives1960]

Good host, good questions.

[@warrenflood2809]

Mindblowingly awesome! One of the best conversations I have ever had the privilege of witnessing.

[@torontoBluejays87]

To those who are criticizing Moyers, please realize he is trying to be a devils advocate here. He isn't necessarily putting his own view forward, but rather, provide a rational and calm voice for the people who disagree with both Dennett and myself. I commend him for doing such a great job at doing this and Dennett of course was absolutely brilliant here.

[@timoth88]

That 'Lucille' line was great!

[@DanRoss11]

A "disturber of the peace" he says? Certainly the most peaceful disturber I have ever seen.

[@sekkhiaakare7701]

Great discussion.

[@gebatron604]

I don't think anyone was surprised that Dennett likes Christmas *cough* Santa *cough*

[@68marcrm]

I have new respect for Bill Moyers! Fantastic interview!!!

[@Konstruktivismus]

Dennett is one of the philosophers which are really worth reading. We need more of such intellectuals in the world.

[@thomask365]

Thank the lord I am an atheist.

[@stevepowsinger733]

Ha ha

[@TheBrblebrble]

When I watch this video...it's as though Dennet is organizing and articulating and defending all of the ideas we have on religion ... far better than most of us could.

[@jujuandjesus]

Don't like the term "Bright". I've met dumb atheist and intelligent theist. Some people don't put too much thought into their faith, and others spend much time thinking about it. I do like Prof. Dennett though. So much of what he says is profound and easily understood.

[@HarrisetBella]

Ewan B That is an interesting question. I'm not sure I agree. An inteligent theist may vey well have thought the situation. I think sometimes…openning that door to rejecting "the story" causes so much turmoil. Looming family issues regarding child rearing and then every family réunion can cause one to say…what will it hurt…I'll just tow the line. I'm guessing a very large pêrcentage of American Christians…if alone in a room with one million dollars on the line…does God exist? They would say no but the go one living like a Christian because it's easier. Ask Creationists (the Senator from Georgia) is the earth 4.7 billion years old or 8000 years old…life or death….: I'm guessing 50% of Creationists even know better. They are scared to simply making the plung in life. In most Red States…coming out an Atheist is not to be taken lightly. It can have major reprecussions in your life. Coming out Atheist in Texas is probably harder than coming out Gay in most countries of the western world.

[@TachyonBionmass]

ive met some angry gay people too. the point is your changing it from the literal meaning lol

[@Bengun67]

around 6:45 - brilliant !!! - made my day, for sure. Thank you for sharing , have a good one .

[@TelecastPropellor96]

'Bright' is a pretty supercilious but also condescending term

[@calkane8480]

Yeah I hate it to

[@MRayner59]

I can't see it ever catching on. I'd add to your excellent description by also calling it meretricious.

[@CaptainDooDoo-ans]

Which is why I like it

[@qhsperson]

It's better than "indigo children," if not by much.

[@JimFrew1]

A very interesting discussion. Most thought provoking.

[@grandmastersunshine9220]

How ironic that he actually looks like god

[@mattblack6736]

i'm getting more of a santa claus is pissed at jesus vibe.

[@Key5ser5oze]

Nah, he looks exactly like Charles Darwin and I think he's doing it on purpose.

[@sarvomar1]

?????!!!!!

[@LeslieFitzpatrick]

Thank you for this - fascinating and refreshing. I'm off to hear more from Mr. Dennett.

[@RuleofFive]

Moyer keeps making the emotional argument for god. "how can you not be moved by a religious hymn or when you enter a beautiful cathedral?" Humans are emotional creatures and we are moved to emotion when experiencing a number of things. That neither proves god or validates religion.

[@RuleofFive]

Marty Richards It doesn't if you're looking to make a sound case for the existence of a god. Because you have an emotional response to a Harry Potter movie doesn't mean its real.

[@RuleofFive]

Marty Richards Look no doubt that emotional experience can be powerful. It just doesn't prove god. That's all I'm saying. I think many religious people believe they have a sound case for god and believe very strongly in: a. anti-abortion legislation b. anti-gay legislation c. anti-public school movement (home school) d. creation "science" e. anti-science legislation (trying to refute evolution) f. climate change denial...think James Inofe "god is still up there" so we're okay nonsense.

[@RuleofFive]

Marty Richards I understand your points Marty and you make a lot of sense. I would also remind you that for many flocking to religion helps them overcome their universal fear of death....with religion providing its magic escape pod at the end of your life. I would also say that for many they have the anticipation that god is a loving, caring force for good in the world and that he answers their prayers and may even intervene in their lives.

[@RuleofFive]

Marty Richards Yeah I agree with you about creativity and maybe the yearning to achieve something permanent (or at least that lasts longer than we will) as a marker that we were here and as a contribution (depending on what it is) to the greater society.

[@Matthew-lw3cb]

When are you going to upload again

[@ozhobanew6219]

There has never been an hour in Bill Moyers' life in which he's been more dumbfounded.

[@smashthefascists]

what a refreshing interview. tx for the upload.

[@ValkyrieZiege]

; Religion does pick one's pocket, as it is granted tax-free status, and there isn't anything in the First Amendment granting a tax-free status to belief, and it does break bones, e.g., 11 September 2001, and all suicide bombers, and all inquisitions.

[@GebreMMII]

34:57 thats a good ass point, i've been questioning my faith for a minute, but holy shit...

[@PetarStamenkovic]

Dan is such an unlikely guy. Checks all the boxes that a sane person would, but claims atheism. It even sounds completely legitimate when he says it. I'm sorry I haven't heard someone like him earlier. I enjoy listening to him.

[@ChemistyStudent]

It's cause it is legitimate... Atheism isn't insane.

[@PetarStamenkovic]

***** I don't think that atheism is insane, merely unlikely. Atheists, on the other hand usually have some sort of burden hindering their mind. Dan here has no obvious mirages.

[@ChemistyStudent]

Petar Stamenkovic Don't adherents to a specific religion also have a specific burden on their mind? They tend to presuppose the religion of their upbringing is correct.

[@PetarStamenkovic]

***** Of course. Humans in general do. I find that following any one religion, or simply believing in the creator without the need to follow any one religion is better than not. Simply believing that you have supreme good guy has your back in your endeavors to be good like him, shows. It affects the way you think and act, and it shines through your daily routine.

[@pooyan17]

it sounds sane and reasonable because it is.

[@andygray]

Excellent talk thanks for uploading.

[@AlexTheUruguayan]

Simply wonderful!

[@bohnulus]

dan you're sooooooooo refreshing..... nice fellow love your reference to jazz and a church reverend... haa you are so okay with who you are. love it.

[@KbcBerlin]

Great clarity of thought.

[@saxmanchiro]

One of the Horsemen. Need more Dennetts in the world.

[@TheRationalityPolice]

AND he is the GREATEST philosopher of mind and has published the greatest content on consciousness!

[@joshterry9614]

this interviewer is an outstanding journalist.

[@paulimmanuel2541]

There is someone to thank and one day you'll be able to show your gratitude. Lean not to your own understanding.

[@thebrittdrake]

I really appreciate the way he describes religion as a natural phenomenon and rejects the idea that theist are simply 'programmed' to believe in God. I think this type of understanding would help theists and non-theist/atheists to be less 'polarized' (their choice vernacular) and for those who oppose religion to regard and address those who are religious in a less condescending manner- as many often do. Dan Dennett, I believe you are on to something!

[@chucks172]

highly enjoyable watch!

[@JackSteadlan]

Such a good discussion

[@alexanderx33]

So civil! Though he probably shouldn't have said questionably true things about intelligent people of faith. I think that its hard for him to know what he claimed about them. Only 2 analogies I heard and neither was especially bad. The sugar one he could have probably done without. "Sally is always right" was perfect, short and obvious. And the host was marvelous, a guy that actually read the book and went through it with pen and highlighter. It was clear that he was asking questions for the benefit of the audience a good portion of the time, since he would have already read Dennett's answer.

[@brianrichards7006]

May I suggest another reason why most of us feel a sense of awe when entering the Chartres cathedral (or many other architectural masterpieces of all cultures). The architects and interior designers were brilliant and knew the kinds of decorations and elements that "sing to the human heart". The light from the stained glass windows, the curvature of the interior spaces, the heights, the carvings all speak to us, whether we understand a particular religion or not.

[@ASkepticalHumanOnYouTube]

That term "bright" makes me wince every time I hear it.

[@ASkepticalHumanOnYouTube]

Daniel Dennett is such a change of pace after watching Hitchens, Harris, Dawkins, and Krauss talk about religion.

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

My only regret is that I have only one thumbs-up to give to this video.

[@jamaalrichardson7437]

Such longing arises from an evolutionary cognitive impulse in the human mind that we, at present, only vaguely understand.

[@crzyprplmnky]

I agree. I can't think of an existence without some sort of law defining interactions. But in some ways I think induction and intuition can only get us so far. We need more data.

[@elizabethslibrary3691]

thanks for posting

[@MederPhotography]

Wonderful guy!

[@dteubner]

Bill Moyers uses a "beginner's mind" technique when interviewing anyone, which is why he is so good at it.

[@beemo9]

Love his perspective at 14:31. Pretty much sums up everything.

[@samsallon]

What a wonderful man.

[@Dr_Grape]

Well spoken and intelligent Christian journalists? That is a rare phenomenon. If only more journalists would mimic this one!

[@TheOlliemath]

One thing he doesn't mention about cathedrals is how their design has also evolved over time. Starting from the simplest chapel, architects will have selected those features from the churches they've seen that move them in that way. The awe-inspiring gets selected and the uninspiring dies out.

[@ClVlK]

What a great guy

[@O-ne2pg]

RIP Daniel 😭😞🥺

[@walterbishop3668]

That beautiful feeling in Cathedral is caused by a very beautiful architecture(stained glasses and lightening)and an amazing music plus the Epic fiction :D

[@Anarkitten]

I could just hug Dan

[@Avidcomp]

About 18 mins in, I really love his explanation

[@SweRaider1993]

Wonderful interview! I was still wondering why he went to church though, for what reason.

[@immanuelkant6072]

Pure genius. Religion is a spiritual narrative. I think there are good biological explanations and sociological explanation for why we need religion. It just so happens the logical and practical religion that we need in this world today does not exist yet. I hope a couple centuries a new religion around Eastern thought will emerge.

[@AuxentiusZ]

What a wonderful interview, it's great to see a rational man discuss the issues in such an insightful and (dare I say it?) comprehensively useful way.

[@Thesortvokter]

I watched it last night. I'm viewing it again right now. What I mean to say, and as I believe the upload title say as well, is that they are merely "Good" (brackets) reasons to believe not necessarly good resons in a truthseeking objective way. I wouldn't call fear a good reason to believe, but I'll watch it again.

[@firstal3799]

Great man

[@68marcrm]

Dennett is maybe the most towering figure of our times!!!

[@herrkire]

dan dennet is such a saint. no pun intended. hes just such a cool and smart man

[@tommanfrede5241]

I love this interview. Dan Dennett is a genius..Bill Moyers tests his beliefs rather well, although, any atheist today can see Bill's religiosity.

[@ChollieD]

37:59 The piece was by John Adams (not Cage), and it was called "On the Transmigration of Souls". Very highly recommended music.

[@hananarama2000]

if i learned to routinely express my ideas half as clearly as Dennet does here, id be very proud

[@TimTeatro]

This interviewer is a consummate professional. There isn't a lot of journalism like this any more. My hat is off to you. Fox news, eat your heart out.

[@jamiewilson1401]

So much sense!!!

[@thebrittdrake]

Another thing I took from this video - and I hope I'm reiterating this in a manner which he would approve; Understanding beauty does not diminish it.. or it's power to move you.

[@chaz9808]

wow that sweet tooth analogy was great very good comparison i thought.

[@bircov]

Just think about every powerful person: a politician, a president, even a dictator. And imagine their minds being as Daniel Dennet's. The Earth would be a much better place.

[@rabsputin]

i know exactly what projection is, but i can't wait to read your definition.

[@1a1a1and]

does bill repeat a question here 35:50? good to revisit the topic i guess but his wiki page is huge and i'll have to research a bit more to understand why...

[@dudnees]

Grateful for the frisbee Dan.