The Importance of Resilience in Decision Making

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"I'm glad that you don't hate somebody when you find out that ultimately they're not the author of their actions but I still hate them," he says. "There is no reason to think that there that that ultimate causality forbids you from drawing a distinction in the way that you feel toward people who act in certain ways" He's so focused on the psychological states that precede a decision to do right or wrong, it can range from mild resentment and annoyance all the way to full-blown desire for vengeance. 'If we could spell it out it will look like cosmic rape bombardment or the actions of an evil genius'

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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