The Negative Effects of Knowledge on Human Frustration

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The progress that we've made is noting that those two things are are different and I think we we definitely also disagree on what happens when you find out more information. My prediction is that for many people and for many cultures now and throughout history even with that new information those feelings will be just as strong or at least not attenuated to any large extent. But moreover you think it contributes to human flourishing for you feel that way. Well that's an interesting interesting topic to a table for next time just weather because in my view this comes down to a discussion of whether certain kinds of knowledge are actually hostile to the deeper project of maximizing human flourishing.

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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