Making Sense with Sam Harris Making Sense of Foundations of Morality | Episode 3 of The Essential Sam Harris
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Jan 5, 2023 
Moral philosopher Peter Singer, known for his work on utilitarianism and animal rights, discusses his impactful 'shallow pond' analogy. He emphasizes the pursuit of moral evaluation through objective measures. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, challenges the common perception of empathy, arguing that it's often a moral hindrance rather than a benefit. The conversation also touches upon the complexities of ethical decision-making, the role of rationality in morality, and the interplay between cultural values and moral frameworks.
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Moral Realism vs. Anti-Realism
- Moral realism posits objective moral truths exist, like "it's better to feed a starving creature than withhold food."
- Moral anti-realism, conversely, suggests all moral sentiments are subjective and biased.
Hume's Is-Ought Problem
- David Hume's is-ought distinction argues you can't derive an "ought" from an "is": no description of the universe dictates how it should be.
- This fuels moral anti-realism, suggesting science has no say in morality, leaving it purely subjective.
Singer's Shallow Pond
- Peter Singer's "shallow pond" analogy questions if buying luxury items instead of donating to save a child's life is morally equivalent to letting a child drown.
- This challenges our moral intuitions about acts of omission versus commission.
