HKS Student Policy Review Senior Editor Chacier Alexander held a joint interview with Symbiotic CEO Riccardo Di Molfetta and cognitive scientist Dr. Daniel Dennett on his perspectives on the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence, the challenge of aligning advanced AI systems with human values, and whether AI consciousness or free will would be functionally different from their biological counterparts.
Daniel C. Dennett was a renowned philosopher, cognitive scientist, and writer. He was a Distinguished Arts and Sciences Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University. His influential ideas sparked debates across philosophy, cognitive science, biology, computer science, and more. Dennett was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1987 and he received numerous honors, including a Erasmus Prize and two Guggenheim Fellowships.
The world has lost a pioneering voice and one of the most influential modern philosophers with the passing of Daniel Dennett. With his groundbreaking work on consciousness, free will, and cognitive science, Dennett challenged longheld assumptions and sparked vital debates that reshaped how we view the mind. His fearless intellect, caring mentorship, and warm wit will be dearly missed.
This is a clip from our video interview. For more, please visit our YouTube page.
In Memoriam: Daniel C. Dennett (1942-2024)