Making Sense with Sam Harris

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.

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.

BJ Miller, a palliative care physician, and Shoshana Berger, editorial director at IDEO, dive into the realities of facing death. They explore the distinctions between palliative and hospice care, and the importance of making an advance directive. The duo emphasizes balancing the pursuit of life with acceptance of mortality. They also touch on the benefits of psychedelic therapy for anxiety at the end of life and the need for open conversations about death, advocating for proactive planning to enrich the living experience.

Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and author of multiple bestsellers, dives deep into America's political state with insightful commentary. He highlights the dangers of hyperpartisanship and how Trump has reshaped the Republican Party. The conversation explores the collapse of trust in institutions and the toxic impact of social media on public dialogue. Goldberg emphasizes the rise of populism, calling for bipartisan collaboration to mend civil society. It's a thought-provoking discussion on the crossroads of politics and trust.

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author, engages in a deep conversation about how philosophical insights can enrich our lives. They explore the debate between objective moral truths and personal happiness. Setiya discusses navigating grief and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emotional pain. The intriguing distinction between 'telic' and 'atelic' activities is examined, revealing how mindfulness and reframing our thoughts can enhance our well-being. Together, they tackle the complexities of regret, FOMO, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Will Storr, an award-winning writer featured in The Guardian and The New Yorker, delves into the fascinating realm of status and its pivotal role in human dynamics. He explores the taboo surrounding status, our intrinsic quest for social connection, and the complexities of navigating multiple status games. They discuss how status influences identity, success, and even health, as well as its ramifications in social media and politics. Storr also addresses the psychological struggles of belief systems and the consequences of humiliation in our status-driven lives.

The podcast dives into the fallout surrounding comments on Trump and Biden, highlighting the risks of selective editing. It examines a controversial comparison between Trump and Osama bin Laden, emphasizing the need for context in discussions. The speaker critiques Trump's character and its threats to democracy, while exploring media biases, particularly regarding the Hunter Biden laptop story. Additionally, it tackles the challenges of expressing unconventional views in today's polarized landscape, stressing the importance of integrity in political discourse.

William MacAskill, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and co-founder of the Center for Effective Altruism, dives deep into the philosophy of effective altruism and longtermism. He discusses our ethical responsibilities to future generations and the existential risks we face. The conversation tackles the challenges of short-termism in politics, the complex relationship between doing good and feeling good, and the potential dangers of unaligned AI. MacAskill emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making to safeguard the future of humanity.

Arthur C. Brooks, a social scientist and Harvard professor, dives deep into the essence of happiness. He explores the impact of social comparison and the importance of redefining self-worth. The conversation weaves through the complexities of intelligence, love, and compassion, touching on experiences with the Dalai Lama. Brooks emphasizes the need to transcend identity and ego in pursuit of true fulfillment, while also examining the intricacies of faith and belief in our lives. It's a thought-provoking journey into what makes life genuinely rewarding.

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and a pioneer in internet technology, joins to discuss the evolution of the internet and its culture. He shares insights on ad-based monetization, the transformative journey from Web 1 to Web 3, and the mysteries surrounding Bitcoin and Satoshi Nakamoto. Andreessen critiques institutional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how technology can reorder power in society. Their conversation uncovers the intertwining of innovation, skepticism, and the future of cryptocurrency.