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
160 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 59min
#344 — The War in Gaza
Douglas Murray, an Associate editor of The Spectator known for his political commentary, joins Dan Senor, co-author of The Genius of Israel, to discuss the devastating war in Gaza. They explore the complexities of Israel's self-defense and the emotional trauma of hostage situations. The conversation sheds light on the harsh realities faced by civilians, the challenges of free speech surrounding the conflict, and the disparities in global reactions to violence. Personal narratives underscore the profound human cost and the moral dilemmas inherent in warfare.
77 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 12min
#343 — What Is "Islamophobia"?
The discussion delves into the meaning of Islamophobia, examining the fine line between critiquing religious beliefs and fostering hatred. It tackles the challenges of free speech, particularly when addressing Islam, and highlights the need for honesty within the Muslim community. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the links between Islamic doctrines and global issues like terrorism, urging for necessary reforms to counter extremism while addressing inconsistencies in human rights advocacy.
67 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 2min
#342 — Animal Minds & Moral Truths
In a thought-provoking discussion, bioethics professor Peter Singer, renowned for his pivotal work 'Animal Liberation,' dives deep into ethics concerning animal rights. He tackles the moral implications of speciesism, comparing it to historical injustices. Singer also critiques animal experimentation and advocates for reevaluating its ethical standards. The conversation extends to effective altruism, examining the fall of Sam Bankman-Fried and the complex interplay between good intentions and human behavior. This engaging dialogue challenges listeners to rethink their moral choices.
239 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 55min
#341 — Gaza & Global Order
In this insightful discussion, historian Yuval Noah Harari, famed for his works like Sapiens, delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He analyzes October 7th’s events, the failures of Israeli leadership, and the escalating war in Gaza. Harari reflects on the narratives of victims and perpetrators and the intricacies of compromise versus justice. The conversation also touches on global politics, the impact of extremism, and the role of religious symbolism in perpetuating tensions. A thought-provoking exploration of modern geopolitics.
327 snips
Nov 7, 2023 • 59min
#340 — The Bright Line Between Good and Evil
The discussion dives deep into the Israel-Hamas conflict, analyzing military strategies and their moral implications. The idea of humanitarian corridors emerges, aiming to protect civilians while addressing warfare ethics. Antisemitism's disturbing rise is examined, alongside personal accounts and contrasting narratives of Islamophobia. The complexities of jihadism and its geopolitical context reveal the intertwined nature of religion and terrorism. A critical look at Israel's identity as a Jewish state raises questions about religious governance and historical injustices.
63 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 51min
#339 — The Infernal Logic of Jihad
Graeme Wood, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Way of the Strangers," discusses the harrowing events following the October 7th attacks in Israel. He provides firsthand accounts of the emotional turmoil experienced by Israelis, detailing themes of betrayal and vulnerability. The conversation also explores the ideological divides within jihadist groups, contrasting the rigidness of ISIS with Hamas's political strategies. Additionally, Wood highlights the geopolitical threats posed by Hezbollah and Iran, shaping the current landscape of conflict and risk in the region.
108 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 14min
#338 — The Sin of Moral Equivalence
Delve into the complex moral landscape of violence in Israel, where cultural distinctions shape public perception. Explore the controversial idea of moral equivalence in warfare, focusing on tactics like the use of human shields. Reflect on the ethical implications that arise from different approaches to conflict. Finally, consider how intent and context influence moral judgments, stressing that flaws in Israeli society don't erase its relative moral progress compared to Hamas.
64 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 42min
#337 — The Future of Psychedelic Medicine
Jeannie Fontana, MD-PhD, a trailblazer in healthcare and ALS research funding, joins Robin Carhart-Harris, the founder of the Center for Psychedelic Research. They explore the TREAT Initiative in California, aiming to secure vital funding for psychedelic treatments in mental health. The conversation covers the legal landscape for psychedelics, the importance of safe therapeutic practices, and ongoing advocacy efforts. They also delve into the neuroscience behind psychedelics, discussing their potential for treating conditions like PTSD and their impact on brain function.
69 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 2min
#336 — The Roots of Identity Politics
Yascha Mounk, a writer and academic specializing in populism and liberal democracy, joins to explore the intricate landscape of identity politics. They tackle Mounk's idea of 'identity synthesis' and its implications on social cohesion. Conversations dive into the influence of postmodernism, the challenges of racial segregation in education, and the complexities of intersectionality. Mounk also critiques the shifting ideals in academia and the repercussions of cancel culture, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue in today's polarized climate.
130 snips
Sep 22, 2023 • 1h 11min
#335 — A Postmortem on My Response to Covid
The discussion reflects on social media's influence on public perception during the COVID pandemic. It delves into the challenges of navigating misinformation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding health responses. As perspectives evolve, trust in institutions becomes a focal point. The podcast also analyzes demographics related to COVID-19 deaths, highlighting misconceptions about age and health. Ultimately, it critiques the fallacy that personal health can substitute for strong public health systems, stressing the importance of vaccinations amid ongoing debates.
