Daniel Dennett Receives Erasmus Prize

The €150,000 award is for exceptional contributions to culture, society or social science

Daniel C. Dennett, the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy and co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies, has been awarded the 2012 Erasmus Prize by the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation.

The Erasmus Prize is an annual award for a person who has made an exceptional contribution to culture, society or social science. The prize money is €150,000. The award ceremony will take place this fall.

The theme of the Erasmus Prize this year was “the cultural meaning of the natural sciences.” Dennett was praised by the foundation for his ability to communicate the cultural significance of science and technology to a broad audience. He has taught at Tufts since 1971.

Dennett has published numerous articles and books, including Breaking the Spell (2007), Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (1996) and Consciousness Explained (1991). 

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