Making Sense with Sam Harris #245 — Can We Talk About Scary Ideas?
Apr 12, 2021
Join bioethics luminary Peter Singer and Francesca Minerva, a research fellow at the University of Milan, as they unpack the launching of the Journal of Controversial Ideas. They dive into the ethics surrounding taboo topics like race and IQ, and explore whether individuals should be allowed to sell their vaccine slots. The discussion also touches on the dangerous tug-of-war between activism and academia, and the implications of free speech amidst a culture of political correctness, urging a robust dialogue on sensitive issues.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Infanticide Article Backlash
- Francesca Minerva and her co-author published an article on infanticide, facing backlash.
- Death threats and career concerns arose from online misinformation and academic pressures.
Open Discussion vs. Harm
- Openly discussing potentially harmful topics allows for better understanding and identification of wrongful harm.
- Suppressing such discussions can lead to ignorance and superstition, increasing the likelihood of harm.
Market for Vaccine Privileges
- Sam Harris suggests a market for vaccine privileges, where those with earlier access could sell their spots.
- This could benefit both parties and potentially address inequalities surrounding vaccine access.
