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
Aug 21, 2020 • 49min
#215 — A Conversation with David Miliband
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former British Foreign Secretary, shares insights from his humanitarian work. He addresses the growing crisis of refugees and the ethical responsibilities of wealthier nations. Miliband navigates the complexities of U.S. military interventions, emphasizing the need for political solutions. He discusses the balance between nationalism and global responsibilities, while advocating for collaborative efforts to tackle existential threats like climate change. A thought-provoking glimpse into global humanitarian challenges.
Aug 13, 2020 • 46min
#214 — A Conversation with Siddhartha Mukherjee
Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist and acclaimed writer known for "The Emperor of All Maladies," joins the discussion to dissect the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He critiques the bureaucratic failures and delays in testing that hampered effective action. Mukherjee discusses the significance of asymptomatic spread and the political contamination of public health messaging. He also dives into the long-term consequences of the virus and highlights the importance of preparing for future pandemics, emphasizing the lessons learned from this crisis.
Aug 4, 2020 • 2h 14min
#213 — The Worst Epidemic
Gabriel Dance, the Deputy Investigations Editor at the New York Times, dives into the harrowing epidemic of child sexual abuse. He discusses the dangers of terms like 'child pornography' and the urgent failures of tech companies and governments to address the crisis. The conversation highlights the critical role of organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the ethical dilemmas of privacy versus child protection, and the rising threat of online exploitation, with a strong call for collective responsibility in combating these issues.
Jul 29, 2020 • 49min
#212 — A Conversation with Kathryn Paige Harden
Kathryn Paige Harden, a Professor from the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the intricate world of genetics and its impact on child development. She candidly discusses the controversies surrounding group differences in intelligence and the blending of scientific research with sociopolitical issues. Harden emphasizes the need for open dialogue in academia, especially concerning sensitive topics like genetics and inequality. Her insights challenge conventional thinking, advocating for a nuanced approach to navigate the complexities of science and public perception.
Jul 17, 2020 • 1h 12min
#211 — The Nature of Human Nature
In this conversation, Robert Plomin, a leading behavioral genetics professor at King's College London, dives deep into the pivotal role of DNA in shaping human behavior. He tackles the sensitive nature vs. nurture debate, shedding light on the first law of behavioral genetics and heritability's impact on personality and intelligence. The discussion navigates the implications of genetics in education and parenting, alongside ethical concerns regarding group differences. Plomin also explores the prospects of a future influenced by genetic casting, leaving listeners pondering the intersection of science and society.
Jul 9, 2020 • 1h 46min
#210 — The Logic of Doomsday
William J. Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and nuclear policy expert, and his granddaughter Lisa Perry, communications director for the William J. Perry Project, dive into the chilling realities of nuclear threats. They analyze pivotal moments like Hiroshima and the Cuban Missile Crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and disarmament. The conversation also covers complexities like accidental nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, and the psychological barriers that hinder effective policy action. Together, they advocate for education and global cooperation to address these existential risks.
Jul 3, 2020 • 58min
#209 — A Good Life
Scott Barry Kaufman, a humanistic psychologist and author of Transcend, joins the discussion to explore the depths of human well-being. He delves into the complexities of intelligence and creativity, challenging traditional psychological norms. The conversation critiques misconceptions about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and emphasizes authentic self-actualization over superficial success. They also explore the transformative roles of psychedelics and meditation, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of personal growth and fulfillment.
Jun 23, 2020 • 1h 5min
#208 — Existential Risk
Toby Ord, a philosopher at Oxford University focused on existential risks and effective altruism, dives deep into the future of humanity. He explores the moral biases shaping our views on distance and time, highlighting the psychology behind effective altruism. The conversation navigates the complexities of distinguishing natural threats from human-made ones, addressing dangers like nuclear war and pandemics. Ord reflects on the morality of altruism, balancing emotion with logic, and the essential responsibility we hold for future generations.
Jun 13, 2020 • 1h 53min
#207 — Can We Pull Back From The Brink?
Intriguing discussions unravel the complexities of social unrest and systemic racism in America. The impact of political expression amidst divided public opinion takes center stage. Law enforcement's role and the urgent need for accountability come under scrutiny. Protests are examined through the lens of misinformation and the historical context of race. Challenging common narratives, the podcast advocates for a fact-based approach to understanding police violence. Ultimately, it calls for rational dialogue to foster meaningful societal change.
May 26, 2020 • 45min
#206 — A Conversation with David Frum
In this discussion, political commentator David Frum, known for his insightful analysis of conservative politics, joins Sam Harris to dissect the evolving American political landscape. They delve into the implications of Trump's presidency and speculate on a possible second term. Frum highlights the increasing secularization of politics and the alarming rise of conspiracies linked to Covid-19. They also tackle voter suppression and the role of media in shaping public perceptions, making for a timely and thought-provoking conversation.
