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  • This is a valid critique of Dennett. While I consider him to be one of the most insightful as well as important philosophers of our era, he also eschews reasoning arguments, and makes no pretense of being fair minded. He seeks to persuade his readers in any way possible. Commented Nov 20, 2021 at 19:05
  • As a caveat, Dennett is capable of clear and subtle reasoning, and this seems to me to be how he arrives at his views. It is just that he does not make this reasoning the centerpiece of his writing. Commented Nov 20, 2021 at 19:08
  • @Dcleve: Well, without questioning Dennett's intelligence (which I respect), I don't think I would call him a philosopher. i haven't made a great study of his work, mind you, but what I have seen has all fallen into ideological/pundit territory. There's a kind of reasoning peculiar to philosophical work that I haven't seen Dennett produce. a lacuna that makes me question his capacity for it. Being smart does not necessarily make one wise, if you follow me... Commented Nov 20, 2021 at 20:48