

One Year Since October 7th - with Sam Harris
48 snips Sep 16, 2024
In a thought-provoking conversation, philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris reflects on the repercussions of the October 7th event. He discusses Hamas’s tactics of using civilians as shields and the moral complexities surrounding the conflict. The talk delves into the growing anti-Semitism post-October 7th, challenging perceptions of its decline, and questions the ethics of Israel's hostage negotiations. Harris emphasizes the distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments, revealing profound implications for Jewish identity and societal responses.
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Hamas' Cynical Asymmetry
- Hamas' strategy relies on a moral asymmetry, exploiting Western sensitivity towards civilian casualties.
- They weaponize our compassion, knowing we value their children's lives more than they do.
WWII Analogies
- Dan Senor mentions WWII examples like Dresden and Tokyo to discuss minimizing civilian casualties.
- Sam Harris brings up Hiroshima and Nagasaki as further examples of morally complex wartime decisions.
The Desperation Argument
- Some argue that Hamas' actions, though horrific, stem from desperation and a fight for freedom.
- They claim that desperate people in desperate situations resort to extreme measures.