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
39 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 9min
#310 — Social Media & Public Trust
Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and former New York Times editor, joins Michael Schellenberger, an environmental advocate and author, and Renee DiResta, a Stanford expert on misinformation. They dive into the fallout from the Twitter files and the trust crisis in media and government. Discussion topics include the challenges of content moderation, the impact of misinformation on public perception, and the complexities of transparency in journalism. They also tackle political bias and the need for genuine dialogue in today's digital landscape.
10 snips
Jan 26, 2023 • 36min
Making Sense of Encounters With Violence | Episode 4 of The Essential Sam Harris
This insightful discussion features Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator known for his expertise in conflict resolution, and Gavin de Becker, a security expert and author emphasizing intuition in safety. Voss shares practical negotiation tactics and the importance of 'tactical empathy' in violent situations. De Becker redefines fear as a vital survival signal. The conversation also navigates the ethical complexities of profiling and the responsibilities of gun ownership, alongside philosophical reflections on violence and societal notions of honor.
41 snips
Jan 20, 2023 • 45min
#309 — Vulnerability, Politics, and Moral Worth
Martha C. Nussbaum, a distinguished Professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago, delves into the critical intersection of philosophy, emotions, and politics. She highlights the relevance of ancient Greek and Roman thought, particularly Stoicism, in understanding modern emotional dynamics. The dialogue explores complex issues like moral luck, the fragility of goodness, and how honor cultures affect vulnerable groups. Nussbaum advocates for philosophy's role in fostering communal values and respectful dialogue amid divisive topics.
53 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 34min
#308 — The Long Game
In a fascinating conversation, Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares groundbreaking insights on well-being and fulfillment. They discuss how relationships are more crucial to happiness than wealth and the impact of habits like alcohol and exercise on longevity. Waldinger also highlights the importance of mindfulness and experiences over material possessions, as well as the complexities of memory in shaping our happiness. This engaging dialogue reveals profound truths about human connections and what truly makes life meaningful.
57 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 45min
Making Sense of Foundations of Morality | Episode 3 of The Essential Sam Harris
Moral philosopher Peter Singer, known for his work on utilitarianism and animal rights, discusses his impactful 'shallow pond' analogy. He emphasizes the pursuit of moral evaluation through objective measures. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, challenges the common perception of empathy, arguing that it's often a moral hindrance rather than a benefit. The conversation also touches upon the complexities of ethical decision-making, the role of rationality in morality, and the interplay between cultural values and moral frameworks.
11 snips
Dec 30, 2022 • 28min
#307 — Twitter, Elon, & Free Speech
The discussion delves into Elon Musk's behavior on Twitter, dissecting the concept of free-speech absolutism. Listeners hear about the psychological impact of distancing from toxic online environments. There's a focus on maintaining friendships despite controversial views and the ramifications of ignoring truth in politics. The role of Twitter in shaping narratives and spreading misinformation is critically analyzed, with a spotlight on Musk's leadership choices and their implications for public discourse and democracy.
29 snips
Dec 15, 2022 • 35min
Making Sense of Consciousness | Episode 2 of The Essential Sam Harris
Delve into the enigmatic realm of consciousness as experts tackle its elusive definition. Explore David Chalmers' 'Hard Problem of Consciousness' and Thomas Nagel's intriguing thought experiment about being a bat. Unravel the philosophical zombie concept with insights from Thomas Metzinger while Anil Seth sheds light on 'easy problems.' Iain McGilchrist reveals fascinating implications from split-brain studies, challenging our understanding of identity and free will. A thought-provoking journey awaits!
112 snips
Dec 13, 2022 • 1h 45min
#306 — Psychedelics & Mortality
Roland Griffiths, a leading researcher in psychedelics from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the transformative potential of psychedelics while grappling with his own stage-4 cancer diagnosis. The conversation highlights the fascinating intersections of psychedelics and meditation, their therapeutic promises, and the need for responsible use. Griffiths shares personal reflections on mortality, fear, and gratitude, urging a deeper understanding of life through these experiences. They also discuss the exciting advances in psychedelic research and the importance of nurturing public discourse on these substances.
31 snips
Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 7min
#305 — Moral Knowledge
In this intriguing conversation, Erik Hoel, a neuroscientist and former Tufts professor, discusses the intricacies of moral truth and its relevance to effective altruism. He explores the challenges of moral philosophy in a complex world and critiques the limitations of consequentialism. The ethical implications of AI are dissected, questioning whether machine consciousness could reshape our understanding of morality. Hoel also highlights the perils of moral fanaticism and the importance of balancing emotions and rationality in ethical decision-making.
166 snips
Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 10min
#304 — Why I Left Twitter
Cal Newport, a Georgetown computer science professor and author, joins the conversation to discuss the fragmentation of modern life fueled by technology. They dive into the history of computer science and its evolution, exploring the negative impacts of social media on well-being and public discourse. The conversation also touches on TikTok's disruptive rise, the need for clarity and trust in advice amid digital chaos, and the cognitive costs of multitasking. Newport emphasizes the values of deep work and controlling one's time in an increasingly distracted world.
