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
Mar 2, 2020 • 1h 11min
#189 — Wealth & Happiness
Scott Galloway, a bestselling author and NYU professor, dives into the intricate link between wealth and happiness. He tackles wealth inequality and the societal consequences of transferring resources from young to old. The conversation spans political dynamics around taxation and social safety nets, the ethical dilemmas of big tech's influence on democracy, and critiques of policies like stop-and-frisk. Galloway emphasizes that while financial security is vital, true happiness often stems from deeper, external factors.
Feb 28, 2020 • 32min
#188 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this engaging conversation, Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor known for his insights in cognitive science, dives deep into the virtues of President Trump and the campaign dynamics of Bloomberg and Sanders. They explore the limited role of parents in childhood development and the significant implications of wealth inequality and family structures. The duo also debates the controversial deplatforming of philosopher Peter Singer and even humorously contemplates whether Bloom should try LSD, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining discussion.
Feb 21, 2020 • 28min
#187 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this conversation, Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor renowned for his insights into morality and the human mind, tackles pressing societal issues. They delve into the harrowing realities of child sexual abuse and the ethical implications of new technologies like child sex robots. Bloom also discusses the complexities of loyalty within moral decision-making and the ethical dilemmas surrounding eugenics in modern discourse. The nuances of morality, compassion in public debate, and the challenges of discussing sensitive topics are all explored.
Feb 18, 2020 • 1h 20min
#186 — The Bomb
Fred Kaplan, a national security columnist for Slate and an expert on nuclear war, joins to discuss the chilling threat of nuclear conflict. They explore the nuances of nuclear deterrence, the perilous U.S. first-strike policy, and the implications of limited nuclear warfare. Kaplan shares insights on historical close calls, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, and reflects on presidential reactions, especially during Trump's tenure. The conversation delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas of nuclear strategy, emphasizing the weighty responsibilities of those in command.
Feb 7, 2020 • 30min
#185 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
This conversation features Paul Bloom, a Yale Professor specializing in psychology, known for his insights into morality and the human mind. Bloom and the host delve into the complexities of Trump's political influence and the psychological effects of fame. They discuss how wealth relates to happiness and the nuances of inequality, emphasizing that discomfort often arises from perceptions of unfairness. The duo critically examines the dynamics of public discourse, highlighting the impact of rhetorical styles on political engagement.
Feb 3, 2020 • 29min
#184 — The Conversational Nature of Reality
In this engaging discussion, poet David Whyte explores the intricacies of work, relationships, and self-awareness. He reflects on how poetry intertwines with nature and philosophy, revealing its power to transform our understanding of reality. Whyte shares his experiences with meditation and psychedelics, emphasizing their impact on personal growth. The conversation also delves into the 'three marriages of life'—romantic partnerships, work, and self—which challenge conventional ideas of balance, ultimately offering insights into achieving fulfillment.
Jan 28, 2020 • 28min
#183 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
In this engaging discussion, Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist known for his insights into morality, joins to explore the nuances of moral responsibility. They tackle the emotional responses following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and the complexities of public grief. Bloom highlights the contrast in societal reactions to figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, revealing loyalty despite controversy. The conversation also delves into the influence of luck on moral accountability, questioning what it truly means to be culpable.
Jan 23, 2020 • 40min
#182 — Unlearning Race
Thomas Chatterton Williams, a thought-provoking author known for his works on race and identity, dives deep into the complexities surrounding racial constructs. He shares insights from his interracial upbringing, highlighting the challenges of navigating identity in a racially charged society. The discussion critiques the obsession with racial identities and advocates for authentic human connections. Williams emphasizes the fluidity of race as a social construct and envisions a future where racial distinctions become less significant, fostering a truly post-racial society.
Jan 13, 2020 • 1h 32min
#181 — The Illusory Self
In this conversation, Richard Lang, a longtime student of Douglas Harding, dives into the intriguing concept of the 'illusory self.' He challenges listeners to explore awareness beyond personal identity, sharing insights from his experiences in meditation. Lang discusses how examining this illusion can reveal deeper truths about consciousness and free will. Highlighting the profound idea of living with 'no head,' he emphasizes how such realizations can transform one’s perception of self and foster profound connections with others.
Dec 30, 2019 • 48min
#180 — Sex & Power
Megan Daum, an accomplished author and columnist, dives deep into contemporary feminism and cultural hypocrisy. She examines the contradictions in dress codes and societal norms, particularly in the airline industry. The discussion pivots to generational perspectives on feminism, with a focus on how different age groups perceive gender roles. The exploration of power dynamics in sexual assault cases emphasizes the complexity of these issues. Daum also critiques the cult of outrage fueled by social media, advocating for more rational discourse in today's heated debates.
