Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events. Sam Harris is the author of five New York Times bestsellers. His books include The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, Waking Up, and Islam and the Future of Tolerance (with Maajid Nawaz). The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy, religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. Harris's work has been published in more than 20 languages and has been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. He has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere. Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 14min
#388 - What Is Life?
Sara Imari Walker, an astrobiologist and theoretical physicist from Arizona State University, delves into the scientific understanding of life. They discuss how traditional definitions fall short and the intriguing role of physics in the topic. Concepts like assembly theory and the Fermi paradox come to life as they explore the potential for extraterrestrial existence. Walker also challenges us to rethink the intersection of life and technology, raising questions about whether machines could be considered alive. It's a captivating journey through the cosmos!
16 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 10min
#387 - Politics & Power
In a riveting discussion, Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to President Obama and current U.S. ambassador to Japan, delves into the complex state of global politics. He explores Japan's unique economic paradox and its cultural influences, alongside the rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Emanuel also candidly addresses the Democratic Party's identity crisis and its disconnect with immigrant communities. The conversation then shifts to Israel, discussing its diplomatic challenges and the prospects for peace in the region, highlighting the intricate balance of security and political dynamics.
18 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 2h 5min
#386 - Information & Social Order
Sam Harris chats with Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and bestselling author known for his works on humanity's past and future. They explore the dangers of information overload and how it shapes societal order, discussing the balance between truth and fiction. Harari critiques social media's role in democracy, urging for accountability and transparency. The conversation delves into authoritarianism, the vulnerabilities of global democracy, and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ultimately emphasizing the need for ethical discourse in a turbulent world.
27 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 28min
#385 - AI Utopia
In this engaging discussion with Nick Bostrom, a leading Oxford professor and director of the Future of Humanity Institute, the complexities of AI unfold. They delve into the dual potential of AI—its power to both uplift humanity and present existential risks. Bostrom highlights the challenges of alignment and governance, exploring how our decisions pave the way for future outcomes. The conversation shifts to the ethical dilemmas of technology's influence on happiness and personal connection, raising profound questions about meaning, labor, and human values in a rapidly evolving world.
4 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 27min
#384 - Stress Testing Our Democracy
Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Senior Advisor at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins to discuss election integrity and the future of democracy. They explore the alarming potential for authoritarianism, the implications of voter ID laws, and the impact of partisan manipulation in election processes. Gellman shares insights from crisis simulations designed to safeguard democracy and examines public unrest post-election. The conversation also touches on the risks surrounding Trumpism and the essential role of civic engagement in preserving democratic values.
28 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 35min
#383 - Where Are the Grown-Ups?
In this engaging discussion, Darryl Cooper, known for tackling divisive issues, joins prominent political figure Donald Trump and TV personality Tucker Carlson. They dive into the alarming assassination attempt on Trump, shedding light on political violence and societal risks. The conversation shifts to media influence, exploring how misinformation shapes public perception and the complexities of freedom of speech. They also tackle cultural assimilation challenges, the rise of bigotry, and the need for accountability in political leadership, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder.
11 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 12min
#382 - The Eye of Nature
Richard Dawkins, an influential evolutionary biologist and author, dives into a range of captivating topics. He discusses his new book, exploring genetics and the idea of the genome as a palimpsest of life’s history. The conversation contrasts traditional evolution theories with modern genetics, highlights the fragility of human survival in nature, and examines the ethics of gene editing. Dawkins also shares thoughts on AI's impact on scholarship and the fascinating concept of resurrecting extinct species, all while reflecting on contemporary free speech issues.
Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 46min
#381 - Delusions, Right and Left
Steven Bonnell, known as Destiny, is a prominent online commentator and political streamer recognized for his bold debates across the ideological spectrum. In this discussion, he delves into the polarizing effects of social media on public discourse and misinformation. He reflects on "Trump derangement syndrome" and the consequences of January 6th, while also exploring the dynamics between the far left and right. Bonnell emphasizes the importance of navigating political rhetoric and balancing personal beliefs with societal pressures in a rapidly evolving landscape.
57 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 39min
#380 - The Roots of Attention
Amishi Jha, a leading researcher in attention and mindfulness, discusses how our brains handle focus in an increasingly distracting world. They explore the failures of brain-training games and the neurological benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Amishi emphasizes the significance of attention in emotional regulation and the impact of smartphones on our cognitive capacities. Through rich insights, they reveal how mindfulness can transform our relationship with thoughts, enhance present-moment awareness, and foster emotional resilience.
20 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 49min
#379 - Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Yoshua Bengio, a leading AI researcher and Founder of Mila, joins California Senator Scott Wiener, an advocate for AI regulation. They dive into the urgent need for legislation to address AI risks, particularly in light of SB 1047. The conversation unpacks psychological biases that cloud public perception of AI threats and debates state versus federal regulation dynamics. They also explore accountability in AI development amid investor skepticism and the implications of AI advancements like ChatGPT 4.0, while emphasizing the necessity for international cooperation and proactive safety measures.
