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
85 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.
39 snips
Sep 23, 2022 • 1h 5min
#297 — Preparing for the End
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.
27 snips
Sep 13, 2022 • 43min
#296 — Repairing Our Country
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.
114 snips
Sep 9, 2022 • 44min
#295 — Philosophy and the Good Life
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.
