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
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.
5 snips
Sep 24, 2021 • 17min
Absolutely Mental Season Two
Engaging conversations between the co-hosts highlight unique recording formats and invite listeners to enjoy the series further. They share humorous anecdotes on anesthesia, comparing traditional methods to contemporary options. A deep dive into consciousness explores REM sleep, paralysis, and the quirks of hypnosis. The discussion delves into hypnotizability and how it can suppress pain, challenging the scientific legitimacy of hypnosis. Ultimately, they unveil how belief shapes our sensory experiences, especially in terms of pain perception.
Sep 20, 2021 • 28min
Ask Me Anything #18
The discussion dives into the complexities of misinformation, particularly surrounding COVID-19 and vaccines. It also critiques modern tribalism's influence on discourse, from politics to sports. Questions about the ethical implications of social media censorship versus misinformation are raised. The conversation touches on the fine line between aiding developing nations and potential negative consequences. Lastly, there's a reflective take on the impact of identity politics on honest dialogue and critical thinking in society.
12 snips
Sep 9, 2021 • 16min
#260 — The Second Plane
Reflecting on September 11, 2001, the discussion captures the shock and fear of the moment the second plane hit. It dives deep into the extremist ideologies that motivated the hijackers, urging a better understanding of the complex nature of terrorism. Conspiracy theories that emerged post-9/11 are also examined, contrasting irrational beliefs with historical facts, and shedding light on how social media plays a role in shaping public perceptions.
