Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
188 snips
Jun 28, 2023 • 54min
#324 — Debating the Future of AI
Sam Harris chats with Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and internet pioneer, about the future of AI. They explore the critical importance of intelligence and its potential benefits, alongside the dangers of AI in warfare and economic inequality. The discussion dives into the Alignment Problem and the risks of over-relying on expert authority in tech evolution. They also scrutinize the complexities surrounding AI, including ethical dilemmas and the unpredictable nature of superintelligent systems. The insights are both enlightening and thought-provoking.
24 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 46min
#323 — Science & Survival
In this conversation with Martin Rees, a prominent astronomer and former president of the Royal Society, captivating insights unfold. They discuss the pivotal role of science in managing existential risks like AI and pandemics. The podcast delves into the Fermi Paradox, pondering why we haven’t found advanced extraterrestrial life. Rees also emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific progress, countering the myth of the lone genius. Additionally, they explore ethical concerns about technology's future and its impact on humanity.
24 snips
Jun 18, 2023 • 40min
Making Sense of Meditation | Episode 10 of The Essential Sam Harris
Join insightful discussions with Joseph Goldstein, a pioneer in Insight Meditation, and Richard Lang, a devoted student of Douglas Harding. They dive into a life-changing moment Goldstein experienced that unlocked the full potential of meditation. Lang introduces the 'headless way,' prompting listeners to question self-perception. The conversation covers practical applications of mindfulness in overcoming addiction and explores how meditation can physically alter the brain. They also touch upon the claim that 'Buddhism is true,' separating it from cultural behaviors.
91 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 54min
#322 — Predicting Reality
Andy Clark, a Professor of cognitive philosophy at the University of Sussex, shares his insights on the brain's predictive abilities. He discusses how our perception shapes reality, the role of predictions in managing pain and emotions, and the impact of psychedelics on cognitive processing. The conversation highlights the intersection of mindfulness with anxiety, presenting it as a physical experience to be transformed. Their exploration delves into the complexities of consciousness and how understanding our predictions can enhance well-being.
16 snips
Jun 5, 2023 • 52min
#321 — Reckoning with Parfit
Sam Harris chats with David Edmonds, a writer and philosopher known for his work on moral philosophy. They delve into the life and impact of Derek Parfit, particularly his insights on identity and moral ethics. Topics include the non-identity problem and its relevance to future generations, as well as the controversial repugnant conclusion in population ethics. They also explore how our choices today affect tomorrow, and the philosophical interplay between happiness and moral value. Expect a thought-provoking discussion full of intriguing ideas!
46 snips
May 26, 2023 • 41min
Making Sense of Death | Episode 9 of The Essential Sam Harris
Scott Barry Kaufman, an author and psychologist recognized for his insights on self-actualization, dives into profound discussions about death and its impact on living a fulfilling life. He connects Abraham Maslow's principles to the experience of mortality, emphasizing how confronting death can inspire creativity. The conversation also touches on the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies in easing death anxiety, encouraging a mindset of curiosity and exploration to enhance appreciation for life’s fleeting nature.
97 snips
May 22, 2023 • 51min
#320 — Constructing Self and World
Shamil Chandaria, a philanthropist and expert in computational neuroscience, joins Sam Harris to explore how our brains construct the self and reality. They delve into Bayesian inference and predictive processing, discussing how these concepts shape our understanding of perception. The conversation highlights the interplay between psychedelics and meditation, their effects on neuroplasticity, and insights on human flourishing. They also touch on love, gratitude, and the philosophical idea of non-duality, making for a thought-provoking exchange on consciousness.
63 snips
May 15, 2023 • 37min
#319 — The Digital Multiverse
David Auerbach, a writer and technologist with a background at Google and Microsoft, shares his insights on the digital world's challenges. They explore the trade-offs between liberty and cooperation in online spaces. Auerbach discusses the rise of 'meganets' and their impact on our perceptions. He highlights difficulties in combating misinformation and the role of AI in shaping discourse. The conversation also addresses online identity issues and the importance of breaking free from digital bubbles to foster better understanding across differing viewpoints.
220 snips
May 5, 2023 • 45min
Making Sense of Social Media and the Information Landscape | Episode 8 of The Essential Sam Harris
Tristan Harris, a former Google designer and advocate for ethical technology, discusses the detrimental effects of social media on individual and societal well-being. He shares insights from his documentary, The Social Dilemma, focusing on how algorithms promote division. The conversation includes perspectives on content moderation and corporate transparency from Jack Dorsey, while Jonathan Haidt reveals alarming mental health impacts, particularly on teenage girls. The episode concludes with a look at the political ramifications of social media, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.
48 snips
May 1, 2023 • 54min
#318 — Physics & Philosophy
Tim Maudlin, a philosophy professor at NYU and director of the John Bell Institute, dives into the fascinating intersection of physics and metaphysics. He discusses the nature of time, comparing presentism and eternalism. Topics like scientific reductionism and the laws of nature are explored, along with riveting questions about free will and causation. Maudlin also introduces modal realism and David Lewis’s possible worlds, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of reality and the notion of possibilities.
