logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
22m 57s

Daniel Dennett: Philosophy and atheism

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Another chance to listen to Stephen Sackur’s 2013 interview with American philosopher Daniel Dennett, who has died aged 82. Described as one of the Four Horsemen of New Atheism, Dennett wrote powerfully against religion. But do humans really want to live in a world where atheism rules and religion is dead?

Up next
Jul 6
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister: The UK needs strong international relationships
The UK needs strong international relationships Nick Robinson, presenter of the BBC Today programme and Political Thinking podcast, speaks to Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, about the importance of maintaining strong international relationships.In an interview recorded to ma ... Show More
22m 59s
Jul 1
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister: Regime change is a futile exercise
Lyse Doucet speaks to Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, about the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and its government. The interview took place in the country’s capital Tehran after Iran’s twelve-day war with Israel. Both sides fired missiles into each other ... Show More
22m 59s
Jun 29
Philippe Kehren, CEO of multinational Solvay: Reducing reliance on China’s rare earth metals
Jonathan Josephs speaks to Philippe Kehren, CEO of chemical multinational company Solvay. His firm sits at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to diversify its supply of rare earth metals. These elements are essential to much of modern technology, from mobile phones to medical equi ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2014
Should atheists be more religious? Alain de Botton & James Orr - Unbelievable? 11 Feb 2012
Atheism 2.0 is the logical next step for non-believers according to cultural philosopher Alain de Botton.  He outlines why atheists should borrow from the art, architecture, community, and contemplative traditions of religion without the supernatural beliefs.  The book "Religion ... Show More
1h 20m
Mar 2012
Atheism
For the last few years a group dubbed the New Atheists have been waging a verbal war against religion. The language they employ is unrestrained. The late Christopher Hitchens was fairly typical when he wrote in his book "God is not Great," "Religion comes from the bawling and fea ... Show More
27m 43s
Apr 2024
438. Aboutness, Secular vs. Religious Ethics, & Plato’s Aviary | Dr. Daniel Dennett
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with writer, philosopher, and cognitive scientist Dr. Daniel Dennett. They discuss the concepts of aboutness, intention, and the highest good as they relate to the religious and secular worlds, the establishment of trust and ethics outside of tran ... Show More
1h 34m
Apr 2021
Becoming A Philosopher | Daniel Dennett
Listen to hear about Daniel Dennett's journey to becoming a philosopher!Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAward winning author Daniel Dennett is one of the best known living philosophers of today. Shooting to notoriety as one of th ... Show More
31m 36s
Jun 2018
Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore: Do we need God to make sense of life?
Launching The Big Conversation debate series, Justin is joined by Canadian psychologist Jordan B Peterson who has risen to fame in recent months for his political, social and religious views. He engages with atheist psychologist Susan Blackmore on the psychology of belief. They d ... Show More
1h 21m
Mar 2020
Antinatalism - should we let humans go extinct? David Benatar vs Bruce Blackshaw
David Benatar is the world’s leading ‘antinatalist’ philosopher. His controversial book ‘Better Never To Have Been’ argues that the suffering of existence always outweighs any potential good and that it is morally wrong to bring new human beings into the world. A small but growin ... Show More
1h 23m
Apr 2015
The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God
God is dead and man has no need of the myths and false consolation that religion offers. That’s the battle-cry of Richard Dawkins and other tough-minded critics of religion. And yet millions cling to their faith, finding value and meaning in the concepts and rituals they adhere t ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2014
Richard Dawkins & Rowan Williams dialogue - Unbelievable? 10 Mar 2012
This week's show. Sofia Europa sponsored a discussion between Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The discussion is moderated by Prof Anthony Kenny. It is broadcast here in full. For the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bow4nnh1Wv0 For more Chris ... Show More
1h 35m
Sep 2023
Classic Replay: Was Christopher Hitchens right about religion? Peter Hitchens, Ed Turner & Peter Harris
From 2016: Until his death from cancer over four years ago, Christopher Hitchens was one of the preeminent figures of new atheism: a prolific writer who was eloquent, witty and in great demand for his speaking and debating. Justin is joined by Christopher's brother Peter Hitchens ... Show More
1h 18m
May 2018
How Can I Believe? John Cottingham & Richard Norman
Christian guest John Cottingham is a philosopher whose new book ‘How Can I Believe?’ offers advice on why belief in God can make sense and the human quest for the transcendent. Atheist philosopher Richard Norman engages with John’s case for belief, and responds to the question: ‘ ... Show More
1h 21m