Making Sense with Sam Harris cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris

#404 — What If Consciousness Is Fundamental?

Mar 25, 2025
In a fascinating discussion, Annaka Harris, creator of the audio documentary series Lights On, delves into the mysteries of consciousness and its potential foundational role in the universe. Sam and Annaka explore the hard problem of consciousness and what split-brain patients reveal about our perception. They challenge common notions of space and causality, contemplating consciousness as integral to reality. The conversation intertwines scientific insights and meditative practices, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of existence.
02:20:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the hard problem of consciousness, highlighting the difficulty in explaining subjective experiences despite advancements in neuroscience.
  • The discussion proposes that time may be an emergent property, challenging conventional views and inviting inquiries into its relationship with consciousness.

Deep dives

A Nervous Beginning

The episode begins with a light-hearted story shared between the hosts about a child's advice during a time of nervousness. One of the hosts expresses anxiety about an upcoming interview and seeks comfort and guidance from her daughter, Violet. In a humorously innocent exchange, Violet suggests to not cry, highlighting a child’s candid perspective on adult feelings. This moment sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the conversation as the hosts transition into discussing deeper topics.

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