Sam Harris and John Gray discuss threats to freedom of thought, limitations of freedom of speech, the paradox of progress, dangers of technological advancements, and the disconnect between scientific progress and ethical-political regression.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast highlights the threats to freedom of thought and expression from within civil society itself, with institutions imposing codes of censorship and enforcing them through cancellation and deplatforming.
John Gray argues that progress in ethics and politics is not cumulative, but instead, gains achieved can be eroded over time, as new technologies and knowledge are used to serve barbarous goals and values rather than rationality.
Deep dives
Threats to Freedom of Thought and Expression
The podcast episode discusses the historical and current threats to freedom of thought and expression. It highlights how in the past, autocratic states were the principal enemies of these freedoms, but now the threats come from within civil society itself. Universities, philanthropic organizations, professional associations, and artistic institutions are increasingly imposing codes of censorship and enforcing them through cancellation and deplatforming. This has led to a fundamental change in the liberal civilization, where norms of free speech and free thought are no longer taken for granted.
Loss and Regression in Ethics and Politics
John Gray argues that progress in ethics and politics is not cumulative like progress in science and technology. While advances can be made, they are often lost over a generation or so. Gray sees a built-in moral and political entropy, where gains achieved in previous generations are eroded. He believes that as new technologies and knowledge spread, they do not necessarily make humanity more rational or reasonable. Instead, people use these advancements to serve their own goals and values, even if they are barbarous.
The Danger of Progressivism and New DEI Orthodoxy
The podcast episode highlights the dangers of progressivism and the new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) orthodoxy. Gray points out the detrimental impact of ideological conformity in the liberal West, where institutions in civil society censor themselves and impose restrictions on freedom of expression. He criticizes the cancel culture and sanctions faced by those who deviate from the progressive orthodoxy. Gray argues that the progressive meme, despite appealing to the principles of liberalism, often leads to regressive outcomes, such as a revival of anti-Semitism and the erosion of intellectual diversity.
The Illusion of Progress and Civilization
Gray challenges the assumption of progress and argues that progress in ethics and politics is illusory. He believes that advances achieved in evolving civilizations are often lost, and the ethical and political life is marked by entropy rather than cumulative growth. Gray cites historical examples, such as the disintegration of the Iraqi state after the Iraq War, to illustrate the loss of progress. He also discusses the impact of technological advancements, highlighting how the spread of knowledge and technology does not necessarily lead to the advancement of human values or reason.
Sam Harris speaks with John Gray about the possibility of moral and political progress. They discuss historical and current threats to freedom of thought, the limits of law, the spread of dangerous technology, failures of convergence on norms and values, Arthur Koestler, de-industrialization in Europe, fellow travelers and the progressive embrace of barbarism, Bertrand Russell, the absurdity of pacifism, utilitarianism, the moral landscape, George Santayana, moral and scientific realism, pragmatism, atheism, Schopenhauer, liberalism as an historical accident, and other topics.
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