The Paradoxical Nature of the Self

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The idea of the self can be confusing, but it's not about denying one's existence. Instead, it's about recognizing that the self is more than just the physical body. Most people have a sense of being a subject of experience, separate from their bodies. They feel like they occupy a point of consciousness inside their heads and are the thinkers of their thoughts, even though it's hard to explain how that works.

Bestselling author and friend of the podcast Sam Harris joins Tamler and Dave for a marathon podcast. (Seriously, pack two pairs of astronaut diapers for this one). We talk about the costs and benefits of religion, dropping acid in India, and the illusory nature of (a certain kind of) free will. Then we go at it on blame, moral responsibility, hatred, guilt, retribution, and vengeance. Sam thinks these are antiquated responses based on a belief in spooky metaphysics, Tamler thinks they are important components of human morality, and Dave just wants everyone to get along and be reasonable (like that nice Kant fellow).

Time markers (roughly)

0:00-47:00 Intro and costs and benefits of religion

47:00-77:30 Drugs, the self, free will

77:30-- Blame, guilt, vengeance, moral responsibility, desert.

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