The Importance of Intuition in Moral Responsibility

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Sally Kohn: Does lack of free will mean that we can't be morally responsible for our actions? She says she used to agree with you on that but now thinks it's false and while I think many people share your intuition especially when you consider these things abstractly it is ultimately just an intuition there's no logical or rational argument you can make for that view. Kohn: The notion of moral responsibility or just desserts or the logic of retribution fails by intuitions which and arguments that depend on them are not inclined to disavow.

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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