Making Sense with Sam Harris

Sebastian Junger, a New York Times bestselling author and Peabody Award winner, shares his remarkable insights on danger and mortality. He discusses his harrowing experience with a burst aneurysm and the emotional trauma that lingered. Junger delves into the connection between danger and meaning, recounting his time as a war reporter and the communal bonds formed in perilous situations. He also explores the concepts of awe, psychedelics, and near-death experiences, challenging conventional notions of life and consciousness.

Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and author of influential books on free speech, joins to dissect the current landscape of censorship and free expression. They delve into the origins of political correctness and explore the chilling effects of cancel culture on academia. Discussions touch on social media's role in shaping discourse and the ethical responsibilities of tech platforms. Lukianoff also highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the growing trend of self-censorship across political divides.

The discussion dives into the complex landscape of campus protests, highlighting the troubling rise of antisemitism amid social media outrage. It critiques how foreign funding influences student perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Insights into the intersection of Islam and personal freedoms reveal challenges in Muslim-majority nations. The podcast contrasts Islam and Christianity's foundations, examining their roles in modern conflicts. There's a strong emphasis on upholding Western values while navigating radical ideologies and the need for clearer understandings in societal discourse.

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, offers deep insights into the complexities of urban warfare. He discusses the shocking nature of the Hamas attacks on October 7th and the challenges of distinguishing combatants from civilians. Spencer analyzes the implications of using human shields and the unique tactics employed in Gaza. The conversation also touches on the double standards faced by the IDF, the complexities of casualty reporting, and the urgent need for a political resolution to ongoing conflicts, particularly with Hezbollah and Iran.

David Wallace-Wells, a best-selling science writer and New York Times columnist, joins the conversation to unpack the fraught information landscape shaped by Covid. They delve into the realities of vaccine effectiveness and pandemic preparedness while contrasting the U.S. and Sweden’s strategies. Wallace-Wells offers insights into climate change, discussing the dire implications of 2-degree warming and the impact of air pollution. The dialogue also touches on market forces, political stagnation, and the broader societal consequences of these pressing issues.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of moral truth and how it intertwines with human consciousness. The conversation highlights the importance of well-being as a foundation for morality. Explore the balance between personal happiness and global ethical responsibilities, particularly through the lens of gift-giving. Discover how scientific inquiry can bridge ethical imperatives with practical insights, advocating for a universal moral framework centered around human welfare.

Cal Newport, a Georgetown professor and author of Slow Productivity, dives into the impacts of technology on our work lives. He discusses the concept of 'slow productivity,' emphasizing a balance in a fast-paced digital world. Newport reflects on social media's effects on mental health and advocates for smaller, community-focused networks. He draws insights from historical figures like Jane Austen to highlight quality over quantity in productivity, all while navigating the challenges of remote work and the evolving landscape of knowledge work.

Douglas Murray, an associate editor at The Spectator and a noted political author, joins independent journalist Josh Szeps for a deep dive into the war in Gaza. They discuss shifting public opinions and the potential expansion of the conflict, including fears surrounding Hezbollah and Iran. The conversation touches on the complexities of war reporting, moral dilemmas in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and rising right-wing sentiments in Europe. Their insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of international politics and the urgent need for clarity in understanding modern warfare.

In this discussion, William MacAskill, an Oxford philosophy professor and a key figure in the Effective Altruism movement, delves into the fallout from the FTX collapse and its ethical implications for the community. They explore the complexities of 'earning to give' and the motivations behind Sam Bankman-Fried's actions. MacAskill reflects on how this scandal impacts personal beliefs and highlights the need for resilience within the movement. The conversation also questions the balance between ambition and ethical integrity in philanthropy and corporate behavior.

Robert Sapolsky, a renowned professor of biology and author, joins the discussion on the contentious notion of free will. They dive deep into the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of our beliefs about agency. Topics include the influence of epigenetics on behavior, the emergence of complex emotions from basic interactions, and the ethical implications of determinism in criminal justice. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider assumptions about personal responsibility and the neurological basis of morality.