Recode Decode: Sam Harris

May 8, 2019

In an engaging discussion, Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher known for his work on science and spirituality, addresses the polarizing topics of Islam, social media, and political discourse. He reflects on the controversies surrounding his books and the complexities of identity politics. Harris critiques the impact of misinformation and advocate for rational discourse. The conversation also highlights the challenges of maintaining free speech online while navigating the intricate dynamics of extremism, truth, and moral responsibility in today's society.

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ANECDOTE

Sam Harris's Path to Neuroscience

Sam Harris pursued a PhD in neuroscience after a decade of exploring meditation and Eastern philosophy.
His interest in the mind and consciousness guided him towards neuroscience.

INSIGHT

Ideas Drive Actions

Harris believes specific ideas, like religious beliefs, can motivate extreme actions, not just socioeconomic factors.
He criticizes the left for oversimplifying terrorism's causes.

ANECDOTE

The End of Faith's Difficult Birth

Harris's first book, a critique of religion, almost didn't get published due to its inflammatory content.
He didn't initially identify as an atheist and didn't use the term in the book.

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The Last Assassin

The Hunt for the Killers of Julius Caesar

Peter Stothard

The Last Assassin by Peter Stothard offers a compelling narrative of the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, focusing on the lesser-known assassin Cassius Parmensis. The book delves into the motivations of the conspirators and the relentless pursuit by Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, who sought vengeance against all involved. It provides a detailed exploration of the tumultuous period following Caesar's death, highlighting the political intrigue and brutal consequences faced by the assassins.

Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow. He explores the scientific underpinnings of spirituality, suggesting that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives. The book is part memoir and part exploration, discussing the illusion of the self, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of understanding consciousness through both scientific and philosophical lenses.

The End Of Faith

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris delivers a critical analysis of the clash between reason and religious faith in the modern world. He argues that religious beliefs, even moderate ones, can lead to dangerous consequences, such as terrorism, and that these beliefs are not grounded in empirical evidence. Harris draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to propose a secular and humanistic foundation for ethics and spirituality. The book is a call to action against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics and advocates for a rational approach to ethics based on human happiness and suffering.

The Moral Landscape

How Science Can Determine Human Values

Sam Harris

In this book, Sam Harris challenges the traditional separation between scientific facts and human values. He argues that morality can be understood in terms of human and animal well-being, and that science can provide objective answers to moral questions. Harris contends that moral relativism is false and that science can tell us how we ought to live to achieve the greatest well-being. He uses his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience to make a case for a science of morality, emphasizing that moral values should be grounded in empirical facts about what causes people to flourish.

Letter to a Christian Nation

Sam Harris

In 'Letter to a Christian Nation', Sam Harris responds to the feedback he received after the publication of his first book, 'The End of Faith'. Harris argues against the rationality of Christian scriptures and the concept of intelligent design, highlighting the conflicts between religion and science. He critiques the moral and intellectual implications of religious dogma, particularly in areas such as stem-cell research, condom use in Africa, and the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Harris also addresses the problem of evil and the perceived false morality created by religious beliefs. The book is written in the form of an open letter to a Christian in the United States, aiming to challenge the influence of faith on public policy and societal values.

Letters to God

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Sam Harris

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