The Differences Between Tumors and Schizophrenia

4min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Sam Tamler: I don't think there's any way that these cases are actually going to distinguish between these two views. There is no case in which we can distinguish a purely mad man from the man being controlled by an evil neuroscientist, he says. The moment you have a cure for this now disease of psychopathy then it's appropriate to call it a disease according to Sam Tamler. He also argues that certain sorts of people are more likely to be dissuaded from evil actions by receiving by being the targets of blame than others.

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.

Links