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From Bacteria to Bach and Back

The Evolution of Minds
3.79 goodreads logo

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( 3,662 ratings, 451 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
From Bacteria to Bach and Back by Daniel C. Dennett delves into the evolution of human consciousness, examining how mindless processes and cultural developments contribute to intelligent thought. Dennett explores the interplay between biology and culture, offering insights into how complex systems like consciousness could emerge from simple beginnings. This exploration bridges philosophy and psychology, questioning how minds arise to give meaning to the world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the interplay between biology and culture in shaping human consciousness. It delves into how human minds emerge from physical processes, exploring concepts from evolution to creativity, with insights that bridge philosophy and psychology.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the world's most original and provocative thinkers offers a major new account of the origins of the conscious mind.

What is human consciousness and how is it possible? These questions fascinate thinking people from poets and painters to physicists, psychologists, and philosophers. This is Daniel C. Dennett's brilliant answer, extending perspectives from his earlier work in surprising directions, exploring the deep interactions of evolution, brains, and human culture.

Part philosophical whodunnit, part bold scientific conjecture, this landmark work enlarges themes that have sustained Dennett's legendary career at the forefront of philosophical thought. In his inimitable style, laced with wit and arresting thought experiments, Dennett shows how culture enables reflection by installing a profusion of thinking tools, or memes, in our brains. Language, itself composed of memes, turbocharged this interplay.

The result, a mind that can comprehend the questions it poses, emerges from a process of cultural evolution. An agenda-setting book for a new generation of philosophers and other researchers, this will delight and entertain anyone who hopes to understand human creativity in all its wondrous applications.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Daniel C. Dennett's From Bacteria to Bach and Back is praised for its intelligence, insight, and flair, with reviewers noting its lucid and brave exploration of human consciousness and cultural evolution. It is regarded as required reading for those curious about the origins of human curiosity and creativity. The book is described as lively, cogent, beguiling, and enthralling, offering an excellent account of how humans have uniquely evolved to possess a conscious mind.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141978048

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 January 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 344g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Daniel C. Dennett is the University Professor and Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University. He is the author of numerous books including Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking, Breaking the Spell, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, and Consciousness Explained.

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