Making Sense with Sam Harris

#295 — Philosophy and the Good Life

Sep 9, 2022

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author, engages in a deep conversation about how philosophical insights can enrich our lives. They explore the debate between objective moral truths and personal happiness. Setiya discusses navigating grief and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emotional pain. The intriguing distinction between 'telic' and 'atelic' activities is examined, revealing how mindfulness and reframing our thoughts can enhance our well-being. Together, they tackle the complexities of regret, FOMO, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

44:17

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Episode guests

Kieran Setiya

Highlights

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Episode notes

Is there a Line Between Morality and Practical Ethics?

03:48

How Should I Live?

01:23

Mindfulness Meditation as Therapy versus Buddhist Tradition

01:25

A Conversation With Kiran Setia

02:32

Intro

3min

Philosophy's Practical Relevance

12min

Philosophy of Science and Ethical Living

7min

Navigating Grief and Resilience

14min

Transcending the Illusion of Self

7min

Exploring Non-Duality and the Nature of Experience

3min

Sam Harris speaks to Kieran Setiya about the relevance of philosophy to living a good life. They discuss the existence of objective moral truths, being happy vs living well, our response to grief, the difference between "telic" and "atelic" activities, the power of reframing, FOMO, bias toward the future, regret, the asymmetry between pain and pleasure, and other topics.

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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

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