408. Jordan Peterson & Sam Harris Try to Find Something They Agree On

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Dec 25, 2023

In a captivating dialogue, Sam Harris, a renowned author and philosopher, joins to explore deep questions of morality and human nature. They delve into the complexities of good and evil, examining how extremism can twist beliefs. The conversation highlights the impacts of social media on our moral fabric and the importance of routines like meditation in finding calm. Harris shares insights on navigating societal tensions and the role of personal experience in shaping our understanding of ethical dilemmas. A thought-provoking exchange that challenges listeners to reconsider their perspective on morality.

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INSIGHT

Twitter's Psychopathic Tendencies

Twitter facilitates psychopathic behavior by enabling impulsive responses and broadcasting opinions to millions.
This fosters a delusional online existence disconnected from reality, with potentially dangerous societal consequences.

ANECDOTE

Elon Musk and Twitter's Toxicity

Sam Harris describes observing people he knows behave like psychopaths on Twitter, contrasting with their real-life behavior.
He cites Elon Musk as an example of someone whose engagement with Twitter has been catastrophic, damaging relationships and reputation.

INSIGHT

Moral Relativism and its Consequences

Sam Harris discusses the moral confusion arising from postmodernist relativism, hindering clear distinctions between good and evil.
He criticizes the inability of some academics to condemn atrocities while focusing on minor issues, highlighting a dangerous disconnect.

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Letter to a Christian Nation

Sam Harris

In 'Letter to a Christian Nation', Sam Harris responds to the feedback he received after the publication of his first book, 'The End of Faith'. Harris argues against the rationality of Christian scriptures and the concept of intelligent design, highlighting the conflicts between religion and science. He critiques the moral and intellectual implications of religious dogma, particularly in areas such as stem-cell research, condom use in Africa, and the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Harris also addresses the problem of evil and the perceived false morality created by religious beliefs. The book is written in the form of an open letter to a Christian in the United States, aiming to challenge the influence of faith on public policy and societal values.

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.