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
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.
77 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 1h 8min
Making Sense of Artificial Intelligence | Episode 1 of The Essential Sam Harris
In this insightful discussion, guests include Jay Shapiro, a filmmaker behind an engaging audio documentary series, Eliezer Yudkowsky, a computer scientist renowned for his AI safety work, physicist Max Tegmark, and computer science professor Stuart Russell. They delve into the complexities of AI, revealing the dangers of misaligned objectives and the critical issues of value alignment and control. The conversation touches on the transformative potential of AI juxtaposed with ethical dilemmas, consciousness, and geopolitical concerns surrounding AI weaponization.
41 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 21min
#303 — The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried
Delve into the fallout from Sam Bankman-Fried’s collapse and its implications for ethical altruism. The discussion uncovers the societal backlash against his misdeeds and raises critical questions about trust and loyalty. Listeners are invited to ponder the moral dilemmas posed by financial deception and its effects on reputations and movements. This thought-provoking commentary highlights the tension between ambition and ethics in the world of cryptocurrency.
23 snips
Nov 11, 2022 • 50min
#302 — Science & Civilization
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the renowned astrophysicist and author, dives deep into the essence of scientific inquiry. He discusses the delicate balance between respecting scientific consensus and challenging it, particularly in light of recent paradigm shifts. The conversation touches on the importance of statistical literacy for tackling climate change, as well as the social implications of identity politics versus class dynamics. Tyson also critiques educational systems for neglecting practical statistics, arguing for a shift to better prepare society for pressing challenges.
53 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 1min
#301 — The Politics of Unreality: Ukraine and Nuclear Risk
In a captivating discussion, Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian and expert on Ukraine, shares his insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine. He reveals the complexities of Russian propaganda and examines Putin's motives, questioning the role of the US and NATO in the conflict. The conversation delves into nuclear risk and the moral dilemmas of global politics, alongside the historical context that shapes current events. Through his expertise, Snyder uncovers the intricate layers of this geopolitical crisis and its implications.
30 snips
Oct 12, 2022 • 3h 8min
#300 — A Tale of Cancellation
In this discussion, Meg Smaker, a documentary filmmaker and former firefighter, shares her insights on the backlash surrounding her film 'The Unredacted (Jihad Rehab).' She opens up about her unique experiences in Afghanistan and Yemen, emphasizing the need for understanding in conflict zones. Smaker also reflects on the emotional impacts of 9/11 on firefighters and the challenges of navigating cancel culture and public scrutiny in filmmaking. The conversation ultimately sheds light on the complexities of representing controversial subjects with integrity.
39 snips
Oct 3, 2022 • 40min
#299 — Steps in the Right Direction
Russ Roberts, President of Shalem College and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into decision-making and moral progress. He critiques economics as a science and discusses the intriguing concept of wild vs. tame problems. The conversation explores the nuances of ethical dilemmas, like marriage, revealing the tension between logic and emotions. They also touch on how our choices shape us, the challenges of predicting our future experiences, and the evolution of moral norms in today's context.
11 snips
Sep 29, 2022 • 1h 21min
#298 — Leaving the Faith (Rebroadcast)
Yasmine Mohammed, a passionate human rights activist and the author of 'Unveiled,' shares her gripping story of escaping conservative Islam. She discusses the double standards that Western liberals show towards Muslim women and critiques cultural relativism regarding women's rights. Yasmine highlights the complexities of identity and the struggles faced by those trapped in oppressive systems, alongside the importance of universal human rights. Her personal journey sheds light on honor violence and the importance of empowering women through honest discourse.
