The buy-in for orthodox Judaism, or really any of the Abrahamic religions, is a faith-based claim about the divine origin of certain books. And then when you start to pray, you're praying to a God who you have to, at least provisionally think exists. You can't pray to Jesus for the salvation of your soul in that same frame of mind. There's a lot you have to believe in order to get that project started.
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
Special Guest: Sam Harris.
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