Making Sense with Sam Harris #365 — Reality Check
18 snips
May 1, 2024 
David Wallace-Wells, a best-selling science writer and New York Times columnist, joins the conversation to unpack the fraught information landscape shaped by Covid. They delve into the realities of vaccine effectiveness and pandemic preparedness while contrasting the U.S. and Sweden’s strategies. Wallace-Wells offers insights into climate change, discussing the dire implications of 2-degree warming and the impact of air pollution. The dialogue also touches on market forces, political stagnation, and the broader societal consequences of these pressing issues.
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Remembering Dan Dennett
- Sam Harris reflects on his friendship with the late Dan Dennett, highlighting their shared intellectual pursuits and occasional disagreements.
- Their bond, primarily through email, involved navigating the "New Atheist" era and supporting each other amidst public criticism.
Polluted Information Landscape
- The current information landscape is heavily polluted, making reasonable discussions difficult.
- Efforts to address misinformation are often perceived as censorship, especially by certain political groups.
Intellectual Curiosity and Detachment from Reality
- While there's increased intellectual curiosity today, many treat online discussions as reality, avoiding contrary facts.
- This detachment, evident during the pandemic, led to distorted narratives and overcorrections, hindering effective responses.
