Lex Fridman Podcast

#185 – Sam Harris: Consciousness, Free Will, Psychedelics, AI, UFOs, and Meaning

May 20, 2021

Sam Harris, a renowned author and philosopher, delves into profound topics like consciousness and free will. He explores where thoughts originate and how psychedelics can alter perception and consciousness. Harris questions the existence of objective reality while discussing the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the complex interplay between free will, empathy, and human experience, suggesting that understanding our lack of agency might enhance compassion. They also tackle existential threats humanity faces and the need for innovative responses.

03:23:42

Creator website

Episode guests

Sam Harris

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Illusion of Free Will

02:00

The Mystery of Thoughts and Meditation

00:55

Is This Going To Run Out?

01:00

Where Is Honesty, Alliability?

00:58

Intro

2min

Embracing Sponsorships and Sustainability

5min

The Value of Human-Centric Customer Service in Technology

2min

Exploring Consciousness and Thought

21min

Exploring the Depths of Psychedelic Experience

14min

The Nature of Consciousness and Reality

29min

The Paradox of Free Will and Consciousness

29min

Free Will, Compassion, and the Human Experience

28min

Facing Existential Threats

7min

10.

Navigating the Future of AI

21min

11.

Faith vs. Reason: A Dialogue

15min

12.

The Humbling Art of Open-Mindedness

11min

13.

The Transformative Power of Love

6min

14.

AI and the Illusion of Love

5min

15.

Embracing the Present: The Meaning of Life

8min

16.

Exploring Mutual Admiration and Free Will

2min

Sam Harris is an author, podcaster, and philosopher. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Sam’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamHarrisOrg
Sam’s Website: https://samharris.org/
Sam’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNAxrHudMfdzNi6NxruKPLw

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(08:18) – Where do thoughts come from?
(14:18) – Consciousness
(31:50) – Psychedelics
(41:14) – Nature of reality
(58:09) – Free will
(1:56:55) – Ego
(2:05:59) – Joe Rogan
(2:08:59) – How will human civilization destroy itself?
(2:16:27) – AI
(2:37:10) – Jordan Peterson
(2:45:12) – UFOs
(2:53:02) – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
(3:02:47) – Love
(3:13:50) – Meaning of life

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