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
27 snips
Dec 14, 2021 • 2h 51min
#270 — What Have We Learned from the Pandemic?
Nicholas Christakis, a physician and sociologist from Yale, joins the discussion to unpack the multifaceted lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on our failure to coordinate an effective response and the politics surrounding vaccination. They delve into the real-world implications of vaccine efficacy and safety, the excessive mortality rates, and the emergence of new variants. Christakis emphasizes the need for public trust and the complexities of vaccine mandates while examining the balance between skepticism and reliance on scientific authority in health communication.
21 snips
Dec 3, 2021 • 40min
#269 — Deep Time
Oliver Burkeman, a feature writer for The Guardian and author of '4,000 Weeks,' delves into our complicated relationship with time. He critiques the obsession with productivity, arguing that it steals away meaningful experiences. The conversation touches on the pressures of parenting and the importance of cherishing childhood moments. Burkeman also explores the balancing act of work and life, emphasizing the need to escape the modern trap of constant busyness and find true fulfillment in the present.
17 snips
Nov 24, 2021 • 36min
#268 — The Limits of Self-Knowledge
In this enlightening discussion, Stephen Fleming, a cognitive neuroscience professor at University College London and author of "Know Thyself: The Science of Self-Awareness," delves into the intricacies of self-awareness. They explore the fascinating yet flawed nature of metacognition and how it ties to intelligence. Topics include the challenges of error monitoring, self-deception, and maintaining self-awareness under stress. Fleming sheds light on the neural processes behind our inner dialogues and the crucial role of social interactions in shaping our self-perception.
8 snips
Nov 10, 2021 • 50min
#267 — The Kingdom of Sleep
In this conversation, Matthew Walker, a neuroscience and psychology professor at UC Berkeley and author of *Why We Sleep*, dives deep into the science of sleep. He explains the crucial role sleep plays in our overall health, linking poor sleep to diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. They explore the evolutionary origins of sleep and the importance of sleep hygiene. Walker also discusses the myths surrounding short sleepers and addresses the connection between sleep and mental health, including the therapeutic aspects of dreams.
12 snips
Nov 2, 2021 • 47min
#266 — The Limits of Pleasure
In this discussion, Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, explores the complex interplay between pleasure and pain in our lives. He uncovers how chosen suffering often leads to deeper fulfillment and examines the implications of parenthood on happiness. Bloom challenges hedonism and discusses the philosophical 'experience machine,' questioning the value of artificial happiness. The conversation delves into how unchosen suffering can foster resilience and urges a balance between pleasure and meaningful experiences.
6 snips
Oct 27, 2021 • 35min
#265 — The Religion of Anti-Racism
John McWhorter, a linguistics professor at Columbia University and author of 'Woke Racism,' dives into how social justice narratives have evolved into a new religion that influences institutions. He critiques 'woke racism' as a dogmatic ideology that obscures rational discussion on race. The conversation addresses the oversimplification of racism, the challenges of affirmative action, and the emotional toll of adhering to this new doctrine. McWhorter highlights the importance of understanding historical complexities and fostering intellectual honesty in discussions about race.
4 snips
Oct 21, 2021 • 48min
#264 — Consciousness and Self (Rebroadcast)
Anil Seth, a Professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience and author of 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness,' dives deep into the scientific study of consciousness. He discusses how consciousness may emerge in nature and presents perception as a 'controlled hallucination.' The conversation tackles intriguing distinctions between anesthesia and sleep, and the unsettling reality of anesthesia awareness. Seth also explores consciousness in AI and connects these ideas to themes of the self, expanding our understanding of human experience.
Oct 18, 2021 • 18min
#263 — The Paradox of Death
Delve into the fascinating paradox of death and its connection to consciousness. Explore the essence of personal identity and how our actions can resonate beyond our lifetimes. Reflect on the value of life in the face of mortality, acknowledging that while death is inevitable, it doesn't diminish our experiences. Gain insights from philosophical perspectives that suggest our consciousness might transcend physical existence, reinforcing the importance of embracing the present.
Oct 5, 2021 • 33min
#262 — The Future of American Democracy
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, joins the conversation to tackle the state of American democracy. He candidly reflects on his campaign experiences and the impact of media manipulation. Yang discusses political polarization, the flaws of the two-party system, and offers insights into his vision for systemic reforms like open primaries and rank-choice voting. The dialogue also delves into economic issues such as universal basic income, the child tax credit, and innovative approaches to addressing inequality.
20 snips
Sep 30, 2021 • 40min
#261 — Belief & Identity
Sam Harris welcomes Jonas Kaplan, a cognitive neuroscientist at USC, who specializes in consciousness and identity. They dive into the neuroscience behind belief change, discussing phenomena like the illusory truth effect and the backfire effect. Kaplan explains how emotional motivations can entrench false beliefs, particularly in a polarized environment. The conversation also touches on the significance of cognitive flexibility, the interplay of beliefs and identity, and the enduring impact of storytelling in human culture.
