What criticism does Daniel Dennett make against materialism?

Daniel Dennett's criticism of materialism primarily revolves around its tendency to over-simplify the complexities of human consciousness. He argues that traditional materialist perspectives often reduce consciousness to mere physical processes, which can neglect the rich and nuanced experiences of subjective awareness, intentionality, and the intricate nature of mental phenomena. Dennett emphasizes the importance of understanding consciousness as something that is both emergent and complex, arguing that it cannot be fully captured merely through a materialistic lens that focusses exclusively on biological and physical components.

By highlighting the limitations of materialism in addressing the depth and variety of conscious experience, Dennett advocates for a more comprehensive approach that considers both the biological underpinnings of the mind and the experiential elements that contribute to what it means to be conscious. This perspective encourages a broader exploration of consciousness that encompasses psychological, social, and cultural dimensions, which materialism might overlook or insufficiently address.