The Problem With Dogma

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Tamar: It's a question of motivational effectiveness. People who are being aided, they don't really come into play. But I think it is unfair to say that you might not possess the genuine motivation to help out fellow human beings because you also believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Tamar: What we want is everybody to be motivated by a genuine actual moral concern for other human beings and not to let too much of the other stuff taint them.

Bestselling author and friend of the podcast Sam Harris joins Tamler and Dave for a marathon podcast. (Seriously, pack two pairs of astronaut diapers for this one). We talk about the costs and benefits of religion, dropping acid in India, and the illusory nature of (a certain kind of) free will. Then we go at it on blame, moral responsibility, hatred, guilt, retribution, and vengeance. Sam thinks these are antiquated responses based on a belief in spooky metaphysics, Tamler thinks they are important components of human morality, and Dave just wants everyone to get along and be reasonable (like that nice Kant fellow).

Time markers (roughly)

0:00-47:00 Intro and costs and benefits of religion

47:00-77:30 Drugs, the self, free will

77:30-- Blame, guilt, vengeance, moral responsibility, desert.

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