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
Jul 3, 2019 • 36min
#162 — Medical Intelligence
In this conversation, Eric Topol, a prominent cardiologist and digital medicine expert, delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He highlights the alarming rise in medical costs paired with declining health outcomes in the U.S. The discussion addresses the pitfalls of both over-treatment and under-treatment within the current system. Topol also critiques electronic health records and emphasizes the importance of patient communication regarding medical technologies, exploring the necessary balance between innovation and patient intimacy.
Jun 24, 2019 • 43min
#161 — Rise & Fall
Sam Harris chats with Jared Diamond, a UCLA professor and acclaimed author known for works like Guns, Germs, and Steel. They dive into the rise and fall of civilizations, examining political polarization and the fragility of democracy in the U.S. Diamond discusses the influence of geography and genetics on societal disparities, while also touching on the challenges of political compromise. Their engaging conversation navigates the unsettling dynamics of incivility and violence in political discourse, shedding light on contemporary societal issues.
Jun 17, 2019 • 58min
#160 — The Revenge of History
Michael Weiss, an investigative journalist known for his work on wars in Syria and Ukraine, and Yascha Mounk, an associate professor and democracy expert, dive into the current state of global politics. They dissect the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and America, discussing its threats to democracy. The duo examines Trump’s political instincts and the political liabilities of 'wokeness.' They also highlight the dangers of extreme partisanship, cancel culture, and the Left's failure to reassess its historical alliances.
Jun 6, 2019 • 31min
#159 — Conscious
Annaka Harris, an author and science writer, discusses her thought-provoking book on consciousness. She shares insights on the complexities of consciousness and its significance in literature and daily life. The conversation features humorous anecdotes about her first meeting with Sam Harris, revealing their shared passion for philosophy. They delve into the hard problems of consciousness, evolutionary implications, and the intriguing concept of panpsychism, inviting listeners to reconsider their perceptions of awareness and free will.
May 30, 2019 • 59min
#158 — Understanding Humans in the Wild
In this discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, dives into the dynamics of effective teamwork and the influence of personality types on workplace interactions. He shares insights on the art of saying 'no' and the importance of creativity and resilience in professional relationships. The conversation also touches on Jonas Salk's complex legacy and examines skepticism surrounding meditation and its alternatives. Grant's practical advice on navigating power dynamics and fostering a positive workplace culture offers a fresh perspective on collaboration.
May 20, 2019 • 35min
#157 — What Does the Mueller Report Really Say?
Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and co-founder of Lawfare, shares his insights on the Mueller Report. He discusses the evolution of legal journalism and the founding principles of Lawfare. Wittes clarifies misconceptions surrounding the report's findings, particularly about Russian interference in the 2016 election. He critiques Attorney General Barr's handling of the report and delves into the complexities of obstruction of justice and foreign contacts with the Trump campaign, shedding light on the implications for national security.
May 13, 2019 • 41min
#156 — The Evolution of Culture
Nicholas Christakis, a physician and sociologist at Yale University, explores the evolutionary roots of societal behavior in his new book, "Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society." He discusses how human behavior is influenced by group dynamics, tribalism, and the impact of social media. Christakis sheds light on the dual nature of our social traits, featuring both negative and positive aspects. He also delves into the complexities of grief and examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding political loyalty, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive community.
70 snips
Apr 29, 2019 • 49min
#155 — Mental Models
In this engaging dialogue, Shane Parrish, a blogger and podcaster known for his insights on mental models, joins the discussion. They explore decision-making frameworks, diving into cognitive biases and the perils of impulsive choices. Parrish shares his cybersecurity journey, emphasizing online privacy challenges and the risks tied to foreign dependence in critical infrastructure. The two also tackle the impact of optimism bias on rational thought and the complexities of ethical dilemmas in today's polarized discourse.
Apr 25, 2019 • 54min
#154 — What Do Jihadists Really Want? (2019)
Exploring the motivations behind jihadist beliefs reveals their deep-rooted religious convictions, challenging the notion that hatred of the West is the sole driver. The allure of extremism is dissected, highlighting how spirituality and the thrill of violence give recruits a sense of purpose and identity. The intricate relationship between religion and conflict is examined, illustrating how extreme interpretations can lead to aggression. Finally, the importance of confronting divisive ideologies through proactive measures is emphasized for fostering peace.
Apr 15, 2019 • 1h 39min
#153 — Possible Minds
Guests George Dyson, a historian of technology, and Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist from UC Berkeley, dive into the fascinating intersections of AI and human cognition. They discuss how insights from child development can inform AI research, exploring the importance of curiosity and creativity. The conversation further probes the ethical complexities surrounding advanced AI technologies while reflecting on the historical figures like Turing and von Neumann, whose legacies continue to shape our technological landscape.
