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
106 snips
Apr 20, 2023 • 1h 8min
#317 — What Do We Know About Our Minds?
In this engaging conversation, Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, discusses the interplay of psychology, creativity, and morality. They explore fiction's role in understanding the mind, dissect the ethics of AI, and challenge the impact of misinformation on our beliefs. Bloom shares insights on the difference between bullshitting and lying in politics, the nuances of consciousness versus intelligence, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating authority in science and society. It's a thought-provoking dive into the complexities of human cognition.
21 snips
Apr 14, 2023 • 55min
#316 — Self-Defense: Reality and Fantasy
In this discussion, Sam Harris sits down with Matt Thornton, a fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and founder of Straight Blast Gym. They delve into Thornton's new book, exploring the nuances of violence and self-defense. The conversation highlights the evolution of mixed martial arts and the crucial distinction between 'street' versus 'sport' fighting. Thornton examines the psychological aspects of male violence and offers insights into the importance of emotional maturity and practical training. They also reflect on the realities women face concerning violence and the role of combat sports in personal growth.
20 snips
Apr 12, 2023 • 50min
Making Sense of Existential Threat and Nuclear War | Episode 7 of The Essential Sam Harris
Philosopher Nick Bostrom dives into the stark realities of existential threats and nuclear war, revealing how emerging technologies could heighten humanity's vulnerability. He discusses the concept of the 'great filter' in advanced civilizations and highlights the fragility of our existence amidst harmful knowledge. Former Defense Secretary William J. Perry paints a chilling picture of a potential nuclear terrorist attack, while historian Fred Kaplan navigates a hypothetical nuclear first-strike timeline. Ultimately, Yuval Noah Harari offers a glimmer of hope through the idea of 'global myth-making'.
54 snips
Apr 7, 2023 • 60min
#315 — The Great Derangement
Tim Urban, a writer and illustrator known for co-founding 'Wait But Why' and authoring 'What’s Our Problem? A Self-Help Book for Societies,' joins for a thought-provoking dialogue. They discuss the finitude of life and existential risks posed by rapid technological change. Urban reflects on political tribalism and the erosion of trust in institutions, as well as the sensationalism in media that fosters division. The conversation also touches on complex ideas like visualizing time and the importance of nurturing relationships within life's constraints.
56 snips
Mar 31, 2023 • 54min
#314 — The Cancellation of J.K. Rowling
In this engaging discussion, Megan Phelps-Roper, a podcast host and former member of the Westboro Baptist Church, delves into the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling's views on gender rights. They explore the delicate balance between trans rights and women's rights, the cultural backlash Rowling faced, and how social media amplifies polarized opinions. Phelps-Roper also shares her unique background and how it shapes her perspective on extremism, belief, and the importance of rational discourse in a heated public debate.
18 snips
Mar 25, 2023 • 35min
#313 — Apocalypse
Bart Ehrman, a distinguished professor of religious studies and an expert on early Christianity, joins for a deep dive into the apocalypse themes in Revelation. They unravel the complexities of Armageddon and explore how modern Christian beliefs shape perceptions of the end times. Ehrman shares insights on the Book of Revelation’s authorship and language, while also contrasting premillennialism and postmillennialism. The discussion highlights how these eschatological views impact political attitudes and policies, especially within American Christian Zionism.
30 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 3min
Making Sense of Belief and Unbelief | Episode 6 of The Essential Sam Harris
In this thought-provoking discussion, Sarah Haider, co-founder of Ex-Muslims of North America, critiques the constraints of religious texts on morality. Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church, opens up about her journey from fervent belief to a secular worldview. Yasmine Mohammed shares her harrowing escape from fundamentalist Islamism and emphasizes women's rights. The conversation unpacks belief, societal norms, and the power of dialogue in navigating personal transformations and challenging oppressive systems.
333 snips
Mar 7, 2023 • 1h 27min
#312 — The Trouble with AI
Stuart Russell, a UC Berkeley professor and author of 'Human Compatible,' and Gary Marcus, a renowned scientist and author, delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence. They explore the limitations of current AI technologies, especially ChatGPT, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial general intelligence. The duo discusses the risks of misinformation, the need for human values in AI systems, and the urgent call for regulations to protect democracy and public safety amid evolving tech. They reveal how business models can exacerbate misinformation crises.
65 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 58min
#311 — Did SARS-CoV-2 Escape from a Lab?
In this engaging discussion, writer and evolutionary biologist Matt Ridley, along with viral vector engineer Alina Chan, delve into the origins of COVID-19. They critically examine the lab leak theory, highlighting the evidence surrounding the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The conversation addresses media censorship, the risks of gain-of-function research, and China’s initial denial of human transmission. They also explore the history of lab leaks, the implications of scientific transparency, and the importance of understanding the virus's source to prevent future pandemics.
67 snips
Feb 14, 2023 • 44min
Making Sense of Free Will | Episode 5 of The Essential Sam Harris
Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky and philosopher Daniel Dennett dive deep into the enigma of free will. Sapolsky debunks the myth of libertarian free will, presenting a deterministic view of reality. Dennett counters with his own interpretations and wrestles with Sam Harris on this complex topic. The discussion further includes philosopher Sean Carroll's insights on quantum mechanics and comedian Ricky Gervais's humorous take while pondering free will. Ultimately, the conversation challenges perceptions of moral responsibility and accountability, reshaping how we view human behavior.
