The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

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224. Questioning Sam Harris

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Feb 8, 2022

Guest

Sam Harris

In this thought-provoking discussion, Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author, dives deep into the is/ought problem and its implications for ethics. The conversation spans diverse topics like consciousness, logic, and the challenges of mindfulness. Harris shares insights on the role of psychedelics in understanding the self and explores the dynamics of suffering and dreams. They also dissect the intersection of religion and personal beliefs, emphasizing the importance of interpretation and dialogue in navigating faith and morality.

01:44:53

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Is-Ought Problem

The is-ought problem arises from a trick of language, confusing how the world is with how it should be.
Navigating experience, whether morally or not, involves choices with better or worse outcomes.

insights

INSIGHT

Nature of Consciousness

Consciousness is fundamentally fresh and new in each moment, obscured by our thoughts and expectations.
This constant mental chatter fuels psychological suffering by creating a sense of self separate from experience.

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ADVICE

Overcoming Suffering

Break free from the cycle of suffering by recognizing your thoughts as mere appearances in consciousness, not your identity.
Practices like meditation and psychedelics can facilitate this shift in perspective.

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Engaging Conversations on Existence

03:44 • 11min

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Awe, Morality, and the Human Experience

14:29 • 15min

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The Interplay of Facts and Values

29:30 • 15min

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Mindfulness and the Self

44:48 • 8min

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Mindfulness and the Nature of Thought

53:18 • 10min

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Language, Brain, and the Self

01:03:01 • 10min

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Meditation, Prayer, and the Rosary

01:13:12 • 6min

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The Intersection of Faith and Human Nature

01:19:33 • 25min

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Visual, an Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

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J.J. Gibson

J. J. Gibson's "The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception" revolutionized the field of perception. Gibson argued against the then-dominant view that perception involves constructing mental representations of the world. Instead, he proposed that perception is a direct process of picking up information from the environment. This information, he called 'affordances,' refers to the possibilities for action offered by objects and the environment. His work emphasized the importance of ecological context in shaping perception and action. Gibson's ideas have had a lasting impact on various fields, including psychology, robotics, and design.

The blue book

A L Kennedy

The Brothers Karamazov

Larissa Volokhonsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Richard Pevear

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.

Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.

Free Will

Sam Harris

In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent. He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance. Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding.

Quran

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, containing prayers, moral guidance, historical narratives, and promises of Paradise. It is composed of 114 chapters (surahs) and is considered the word of God by Muslims. The Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years through the angel Gabriel and is regarded as the most important miracle of Muhammad and the culmination of a series of divine messages. It includes various types of verses such as law-giving, warning, narrative, and informative verses, and it forms the bedrock of Islamic law and guidance.

Lying

Sam Harris

In 'Lying', Sam Harris explores the consequences of dishonesty, from small 'white lies' to large-scale deceptions. He argues that lying, even with benevolent intentions, damages personal relationships and public trust. Harris advocates for honesty in all interactions, suggesting that it simplifies life and improves society. He also discusses the psychological and social impacts of lying, emphasizing that maintaining lies can be stressful and ultimately harmful. The book promotes 'skillful truth-telling' as a better alternative to lying, even in situations where tact is required to avoid harm.

The End Of Faith

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris delivers a critical analysis of the clash between reason and religious faith in the modern world. He argues that religious beliefs, even moderate ones, can lead to dangerous consequences, such as terrorism, and that these beliefs are not grounded in empirical evidence. Harris draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to propose a secular and humanistic foundation for ethics and spirituality. The book is a call to action against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics and advocates for a rational approach to ethics based on human happiness and suffering.

The Moral Landscape

How Science Can Determine Human Values

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris challenges the traditional separation between scientific facts and human values. He argues that morality can be understood in terms of human and animal well-being, and that science can provide objective answers to moral questions. Harris contends that moral relativism is false and that science can tell us how we ought to live to achieve the greatest well-being. He uses his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience to make a case for a science of morality, emphasizing that moral values should be grounded in empirical facts about what causes people to flourish.

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https://jordanbpeterson.supercast.com

This episode was recorded on November 25, 2021.

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, New York Times best-selling author, host of the Making Sense podcast, and creator of the "Waking up" app.

Dr. Harris and I discuss the is/ought problem, dreams, attention, evidence, consciousness, logic, psychedelics, religion, Waking Up, and much more.

Meditate with the Waking Up app:

https://wakingup.com

Listen to the Making Sense podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgumWEx4FsqIY8e1wJNAk?si=14b735150ec24b84

Sam’s website:

http://SamHarris.org

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Timestamps

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[00:00] Intro

[02:48] Background

[06:04] The debates

[12:25] Waking Up

[16:18] The is/ought problem (1)

[23:42] (Breaking out of) everyday patterns

[24:22] Experience & Expectations

[32:26] Evidence & Logic

[33:10] The is/ought problem (2)

[34:56] The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

[40:52] Attention

[42:38] Carl Rogers

[49:21] (Dis)satisfaction

[51:01] Discomfort

[51:17] Entering meditative states

[54:06] Being like a mirror

[55:58] Thoughts & The Self

[56:56] Suffering

[01:01:03] Dreaming

[01:09:15] The Self & Psychedelics

[01:14:29] Prayer

[01:18:24] Organized religion

[01:25:33] The postmodern predicament

[01:41:54] Sacred texts

#Philosophy #Ethics #Meditation #Mindfulness #SamHarris

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