The Dangers of Technological Progress and the Persistence of Values

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This chapter explores the potential implications of drones and how they can be used for military purposes, highlighting that the spread of knowledge and technology does not always lead to rational behavior. The example of the Hooties, who utilize advanced technologies for destructive purposes despite their extremist values, is discussed along with the disconnect between scientific progress and ethical-political regression.

Sam Harris speaks with John Gray about the possibility of moral and political progress. They discuss historical and current threats to freedom of thought, the limits of law, the spread of dangerous technology, failures of convergence on norms and values, Arthur Koestler, de-industrialization in Europe, fellow travelers and the progressive embrace of barbarism, Bertrand Russell, the absurdity of pacifism, utilitarianism, the moral landscape, George Santayana, moral and scientific realism, pragmatism, atheism, Schopenhauer, liberalism as an historical accident, and other topics.

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