
#198 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
Making Sense with Sam Harris
00:00
Valuing Life in Economic Terms
This chapter explores the difficult relationship between the economic implications of reopening society and the intrinsic value of human life during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the ethics of how lives are valued differently across various socio-economic contexts and critiques the misconceptions surrounding lockdown measures and their economic impact. Through various thought experiments, the discussion highlights the moral complexities and trade-offs inherent in public health decisions, ultimately questioning how society prioritizes individual freedoms over collective safety.
Transcript
Play full episode