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
Mar 17, 2020 • 38min
#192 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
Paul Bloom, a renowned psychology professor, joins the conversation to dissect the psychological impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses the troubling analogy between COVID-19 and the flu, and the misinformation that has proliferated during this time. Bloom examines how political biases shape our perceptions and responses to crises, while exploring the economic ramifications of the pandemic and lessons for addressing climate change. The episode also addresses the need for systemic healthcare reforms and the ethical dilemmas in how we respond to crises.
Mar 11, 2020 • 1h 6min
#191 — Early Thoughts on a Pandemic
Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist from Johns Hopkins University, shares critical insights on the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses the virus's contagiousness and severity, helping to separate myth from reality regarding transmission. The conversation covers the importance of social distancing, the timeline for vaccine development, and the role of antiviral treatments. Adalja emphasizes pandemic preparedness and the need for reliable information to navigate health crises effectively, all while reflecting on the societal reactions to this unprecedented challenge.
Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 19min
#190 — How Should We Respond to Coronavirus?
Nicholas Christakis, a Yale University Professor specializing in social and natural science, joins to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. They explore the need for proactive school closures and the critical role of social distancing in flattening the curve. The conversation critiques false comparisons between COVID-19 and the flu and highlights issues with political messaging and public trust in experts. Christakis shares insights on the interplay of community transmission and individual responses, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication in managing the crisis.
Mar 2, 2020 • 1h 11min
#189 — Wealth & Happiness
Scott Galloway, a bestselling author and NYU professor, dives into the intricate link between wealth and happiness. He tackles wealth inequality and the societal consequences of transferring resources from young to old. The conversation spans political dynamics around taxation and social safety nets, the ethical dilemmas of big tech's influence on democracy, and critiques of policies like stop-and-frisk. Galloway emphasizes that while financial security is vital, true happiness often stems from deeper, external factors.
Feb 28, 2020 • 32min
#188 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this engaging conversation, Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor known for his insights in cognitive science, dives deep into the virtues of President Trump and the campaign dynamics of Bloomberg and Sanders. They explore the limited role of parents in childhood development and the significant implications of wealth inequality and family structures. The duo also debates the controversial deplatforming of philosopher Peter Singer and even humorously contemplates whether Bloom should try LSD, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining discussion.
Feb 21, 2020 • 28min
#187 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this conversation, Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor renowned for his insights into morality and the human mind, tackles pressing societal issues. They delve into the harrowing realities of child sexual abuse and the ethical implications of new technologies like child sex robots. Bloom also discusses the complexities of loyalty within moral decision-making and the ethical dilemmas surrounding eugenics in modern discourse. The nuances of morality, compassion in public debate, and the challenges of discussing sensitive topics are all explored.
Feb 18, 2020 • 1h 20min
#186 — The Bomb
Fred Kaplan, a national security columnist for Slate and an expert on nuclear war, joins to discuss the chilling threat of nuclear conflict. They explore the nuances of nuclear deterrence, the perilous U.S. first-strike policy, and the implications of limited nuclear warfare. Kaplan shares insights on historical close calls, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, and reflects on presidential reactions, especially during Trump's tenure. The conversation delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas of nuclear strategy, emphasizing the weighty responsibilities of those in command.
Feb 7, 2020 • 30min
#185 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
This conversation features Paul Bloom, a Yale Professor specializing in psychology, known for his insights into morality and the human mind. Bloom and the host delve into the complexities of Trump's political influence and the psychological effects of fame. They discuss how wealth relates to happiness and the nuances of inequality, emphasizing that discomfort often arises from perceptions of unfairness. The duo critically examines the dynamics of public discourse, highlighting the impact of rhetorical styles on political engagement.
Feb 3, 2020 • 29min
#184 — The Conversational Nature of Reality
In this engaging discussion, poet David Whyte explores the intricacies of work, relationships, and self-awareness. He reflects on how poetry intertwines with nature and philosophy, revealing its power to transform our understanding of reality. Whyte shares his experiences with meditation and psychedelics, emphasizing their impact on personal growth. The conversation also delves into the 'three marriages of life'—romantic partnerships, work, and self—which challenge conventional ideas of balance, ultimately offering insights into achieving fulfillment.
Jan 28, 2020 • 28min
#183 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this engaging discussion, Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist known for his insights into morality, joins to explore the nuances of moral responsibility. They tackle the emotional responses following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and the complexities of public grief. Bloom highlights the contrast in societal reactions to figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, revealing loyalty despite controversy. The conversation also delves into the influence of luck on moral accountability, questioning what it truly means to be culpable.
