Sam Harris speaks with David Wallace-Wells about the shattering of our information landscape and climate change consensus. They discuss the false realities during Covid, success of vaccines, global consensus on climate change, consequences of political stagnation, carbon taxes, and more.
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Quick takeaways
Understanding the global consensus on climate change and the consequences of a 2-degree Celsius warming.
Reflections on the challenges and lessons learned from managing public health crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deep dives
Dan Dennett's Contribution to Philosophy and Science
Dan Dennett, a renowned philosopher, was praised for his unique approach of blending philosophy and science, particularly highlighted in his book 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea.' He focused on clarifying conceptual confusion and the importance of spotting errors in science to enhance our understanding of the world. Despite some criticism regarding the role of philosophy in producing new knowledge, Dennett's work emphasized the significance of philosophy in offering clarity and coherence in interpreting discoveries across various fields.
Personal Reflections on Friendship with Dan Dennett
Sam Harris shared personal anecdotes about his friendship with Dan Dennett, recalling conferences and discussions they had together. He highlighted their collaborations and interactions at events like the Salk Institute and Ted conferences, showcasing a blend of humor and intellectual engagement. Harris reflected on their correspondence over the years, detailing moments of levity, disagreement, and mutual support, illustrating the depth and evolution of their professional relationship.
Navigating Philosophical Disagreements and Collaborations
The podcast delved into the intellectual disagreements between Sam Harris and Dan Dennett, particularly on topics like free will and the philosophy of mind. Despite differing views, their exchanges featured constructive criticism, encouragement, and shared exploration of complex philosophical concepts. Each brought a unique perspective to discussions, emphasizing reason, science, and intellectual rigor while acknowledging areas of contention and respectful dialogue.
Reflections on Pandemic Responses and Societal Impact
A retrospective analysis of pandemic responses and societal narratives highlighted the complexities of managing public health crises. Discussions touched on the political, social, and behavioral dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the nuances of decision-making and public reactions. The conversation explored the intersection of scientific guidance, individual freedoms, and societal trust, underscoring the challenges and lessons learned from navigating a global health emergency.
Sam Harris begins by remembering his friendship with Dan Dennett. He then speaks with David Wallace-Wells about the shattering of our information landscape. They discuss the false picture of reality produced during Covid, the success of the vaccines, how various countries fared during the pandemic, our preparation for a future pandemic, how we normalize danger and death, the current global consensus on climate change, the amount of warming we can expect, the consequence of a 2-degree Celsius warming, the effects of air pollution, global vs local considerations, Greta Thunberg and climate catastrophism, growth vs degrowth, market forces, carbon taxes, the consequences of political stagnation, the US national debt, the best way to attack the candidacy of Donald Trump, 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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