Accounts Quote by Daniel Dennett
“I have shown that those who deplore Artificial Intelligence are also those who deplore the evolutionary accounts of human mentality: if human minds are non-miraculous products of evolution, then they are, in the requisite sense, artifacts, and all their powers must have an ultimately mechanical explanation. We are descended from macros and made of macros, and nothing we can do is beyond the power of huge assemblies of macros.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Consciousness Explained, 1991
Critiques anti‑AI sentiment by equating it with rejection of evolutionary explanations of the mind, arguing both are grounded in materialism.
In simple terms: Rejecting AI often mirrors rejecting evolution; both view minds as material.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that skepticism may stem from deeper philosophical positions.
Themes
philosophy
science
materialism
skepticism
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- ethical AI development
Key Concepts
mind
evolution
artificial intelligence
mechanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What philosophical assumptions underlie your view of AI?
- How does materialism shape your stance on technology?
A Different Perspective
May overlook legitimate concerns about AI impact.
