The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 438. Aboutness, Secular vs. Religious Ethics, & Plato’s Aviary | Dr. Daniel Dennett
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Apr 8, 2024 
In a captivating conversation, Dr. Daniel Dennett, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, tackles the complexities of consciousness, ethics, and the intersection of science and religion. They discuss 'aboutness' and intentionality in shaping moral frameworks, explore how emotions influence ethical decision-making, and critique the evolution from religious to secular morals. Additionally, they highlight the pressing dangers of AI, likening its potential threat to nuclear arms, while emphasizing the need for academic freedom and trust in society.
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Horus and Attention
- Egyptians saw Horus, the open eye/falcon, as the apex of their cosmology.
- This symbolizes voluntary attention, particularly towards error, as the supreme ruler.
Hypostatization of God
- Dennett views religious concepts like the autonomous Old Testament God as "hypostatization" of real phenomena.
- The patterns of self-control are real but don't require an extra entity.
Science and Trust
- Dennett argues that science, like religion, thrives on assumed and tested trust.
- This trust, crucial for civilization, is threatened by AI and misrepresentation.
