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
39 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 1h 9min
#310 — Social Media & Public Trust
Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and former New York Times editor, joins Michael Schellenberger, an environmental advocate and author, and Renee DiResta, a Stanford expert on misinformation. They dive into the fallout from the Twitter files and the trust crisis in media and government. Discussion topics include the challenges of content moderation, the impact of misinformation on public perception, and the complexities of transparency in journalism. They also tackle political bias and the need for genuine dialogue in today's digital landscape.
41 snips
Jan 20, 2023 • 45min
#309 — Vulnerability, Politics, and Moral Worth
Martha C. Nussbaum, a distinguished Professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago, delves into the critical intersection of philosophy, emotions, and politics. She highlights the relevance of ancient Greek and Roman thought, particularly Stoicism, in understanding modern emotional dynamics. The dialogue explores complex issues like moral luck, the fragility of goodness, and how honor cultures affect vulnerable groups. Nussbaum advocates for philosophy's role in fostering communal values and respectful dialogue amid divisive topics.
53 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 34min
#308 — The Long Game
In a fascinating conversation, Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares groundbreaking insights on well-being and fulfillment. They discuss how relationships are more crucial to happiness than wealth and the impact of habits like alcohol and exercise on longevity. Waldinger also highlights the importance of mindfulness and experiences over material possessions, as well as the complexities of memory in shaping our happiness. This engaging dialogue reveals profound truths about human connections and what truly makes life meaningful.
11 snips
Dec 30, 2022 • 28min
#307 — Twitter, Elon, & Free Speech
The discussion delves into Elon Musk's behavior on Twitter, dissecting the concept of free-speech absolutism. Listeners hear about the psychological impact of distancing from toxic online environments. There's a focus on maintaining friendships despite controversial views and the ramifications of ignoring truth in politics. The role of Twitter in shaping narratives and spreading misinformation is critically analyzed, with a spotlight on Musk's leadership choices and their implications for public discourse and democracy.
112 snips
Dec 13, 2022 • 1h 45min
#306 — Psychedelics & Mortality
Roland Griffiths, a leading researcher in psychedelics from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the transformative potential of psychedelics while grappling with his own stage-4 cancer diagnosis. The conversation highlights the fascinating intersections of psychedelics and meditation, their therapeutic promises, and the need for responsible use. Griffiths shares personal reflections on mortality, fear, and gratitude, urging a deeper understanding of life through these experiences. They also discuss the exciting advances in psychedelic research and the importance of nurturing public discourse on these substances.
31 snips
Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 7min
#305 — Moral Knowledge
In this intriguing conversation, Erik Hoel, a neuroscientist and former Tufts professor, discusses the intricacies of moral truth and its relevance to effective altruism. He explores the challenges of moral philosophy in a complex world and critiques the limitations of consequentialism. The ethical implications of AI are dissected, questioning whether machine consciousness could reshape our understanding of morality. Hoel also highlights the perils of moral fanaticism and the importance of balancing emotions and rationality in ethical decision-making.
166 snips
Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 10min
#304 — Why I Left Twitter
Cal Newport, a Georgetown computer science professor and author, joins the conversation to discuss the fragmentation of modern life fueled by technology. They dive into the history of computer science and its evolution, exploring the negative impacts of social media on well-being and public discourse. The conversation also touches on TikTok's disruptive rise, the need for clarity and trust in advice amid digital chaos, and the cognitive costs of multitasking. Newport emphasizes the values of deep work and controlling one's time in an increasingly distracted world.
41 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 21min
#303 — The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried
Delve into the fallout from Sam Bankman-Fried’s collapse and its implications for ethical altruism. The discussion uncovers the societal backlash against his misdeeds and raises critical questions about trust and loyalty. Listeners are invited to ponder the moral dilemmas posed by financial deception and its effects on reputations and movements. This thought-provoking commentary highlights the tension between ambition and ethics in the world of cryptocurrency.
23 snips
Nov 11, 2022 • 50min
#302 — Science & Civilization
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the renowned astrophysicist and author, dives deep into the essence of scientific inquiry. He discusses the delicate balance between respecting scientific consensus and challenging it, particularly in light of recent paradigm shifts. The conversation touches on the importance of statistical literacy for tackling climate change, as well as the social implications of identity politics versus class dynamics. Tyson also critiques educational systems for neglecting practical statistics, arguing for a shift to better prepare society for pressing challenges.
53 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 1min
#301 — The Politics of Unreality: Ukraine and Nuclear Risk
In a captivating discussion, Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian and expert on Ukraine, shares his insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine. He reveals the complexities of Russian propaganda and examines Putin's motives, questioning the role of the US and NATO in the conflict. The conversation delves into nuclear risk and the moral dilemmas of global politics, alongside the historical context that shapes current events. Through his expertise, Snyder uncovers the intricate layers of this geopolitical crisis and its implications.
