Making Sense with Sam Harris #335 — A Postmortem on My Response to Covid
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Sep 22, 2023 The discussion reflects on social media's influence on public perception during the COVID pandemic. It delves into the challenges of navigating misinformation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding health responses. As perspectives evolve, trust in institutions becomes a focal point. The podcast also analyzes demographics related to COVID-19 deaths, highlighting misconceptions about age and health. Ultimately, it critiques the fallacy that personal health can substitute for strong public health systems, stressing the importance of vaccinations amid ongoing debates.
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Past Controversies
- Sam Harris challenged prevailing opinions after 9/11, arguing against the idea that Islam is solely a religion of peace.
- He also questioned the narrative surrounding George Floyd's murder and the alleged epidemic of racist police killings.
COVID vs. Static Issues
- Sam Harris explains his COVID response by highlighting the difference between a public health emergency and static issues like jihadism or crime data.
- He prioritized deference to expert consensus during the rapidly evolving COVID situation.
Twitter Controversy
- Brett Weinstein tweeted about Sam Harris's "absurd formulations" and "failure to update" on COVID, prompting speculation about ulterior motives.
- Harris refutes these claims, citing malicious editing and misrepresentation of his views.