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
Sep 20, 2019 • 44min
#169 — Omens of a Race War
Kathleen Belew, a historian and author of "Bring the War Home," dives into the complexities of the white power movement in the U.S. She discusses the ideologies of white supremacy and nationalism, revealing their contemporary relevance. The conversation highlights the influence of events like Ruby Ridge and Waco on extremist groups and the emergence of leaderless resistance. Belew also connects the Oklahoma City bombing to these ideologies, emphasizing the need to understand such violent acts within their historical context.
9 snips
Sep 11, 2019 • 37min
#168 — Mind, Space, & Motion
In this engaging conversation, Barbara Tversky, an Emeritus professor of psychology at Stanford and expert in spatial thinking, joins to explore the connections between mind, space, and motion. They discuss how our understanding of space predates language and the role of gestures in communication. Tversky explains the influence of mirror neurons on cognition and the complexity of spatial reasoning. The impact of technology on navigation skills and the relationship between body movement and thought are also intriguing focal points that resonate throughout the discussion.
Aug 26, 2019 • 16min
#167 — A Few Thoughts on White Supremacy
The discussion dives into the backlash surrounding views on white supremacy and its comparison to jihadism. There's an emphasis on the importance of intellectual honesty in sensitive topics. The speaker addresses the complexities of each ideology, advocating for empirical data to clarify the prevalence of these extremist beliefs. Additionally, they tackle the challenges of navigating nuanced conversations while keeping sight of truth and understanding.
Aug 21, 2019 • 26min
#166 — The Plague Years
Matt McCarthy, an infectious disease doctor and author of "Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic," dives deep into the critical threat of drug-resistant bacteria and superbugs. He shares alarming insights about the failure of the pharmaceutical industry to adapt to evolving pathogens. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas in antibiotic usage, the complacency following the success of early antibiotics, and the urgent need for innovative solutions. McCarthy emphasizes the global health implications while advocating for a transformative approach in antibiotic research and practices.
Aug 14, 2019 • 1h 2min
#165 — Journey into Wokeness
Caitlin Flanagan, a thought-provoking writer for The Atlantic known for her sharp social insights, joins the conversation to tackle controversial topics. She discusses the evolving landscape of feminism, highlighting contradictions within the movement. Flanagan shares her views on the #MeToo movement and how societal norms around sexuality are shifting. The dialogue also delves into media bias, especially in coverage of politically charged incidents, and critiques the current state of academia's approach to wokeness.
Aug 5, 2019 • 50min
#164 — Cause & Effect
In this engaging discussion, Judea Pearl, a UCLA professor and Turing Award winner, dives deep into the mathematics of causality and its implications for artificial intelligence. They explore the complexities of understanding causation versus correlation, emphasizing how AI needs to grasp these concepts for true intelligence. The conversation critiques historical views on causation and touches on provocative ideas about free will and consciousness, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of decision-making and the nature of reality.
11 snips
Jul 12, 2019 • 56min
#163 — Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais, a celebrated comedian and actor known for his roles in The Office and After Life, shares his candid insights. He dives into the complexities of navigating humor in today's sensitive society and the impact of social media on comedy. Gervais discusses the challenges of crafting jokes amid cancel culture and political correctness. He also reflects on fame, the state of journalism, and the changing dynamics of public discourse, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation on the evolving landscape of comedy.
Jul 3, 2019 • 36min
#162 — Medical Intelligence
In this conversation, Eric Topol, a prominent cardiologist and digital medicine expert, delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He highlights the alarming rise in medical costs paired with declining health outcomes in the U.S. The discussion addresses the pitfalls of both over-treatment and under-treatment within the current system. Topol also critiques electronic health records and emphasizes the importance of patient communication regarding medical technologies, exploring the necessary balance between innovation and patient intimacy.
Jun 24, 2019 • 43min
#161 — Rise & Fall
Sam Harris chats with Jared Diamond, a UCLA professor and acclaimed author known for works like Guns, Germs, and Steel. They dive into the rise and fall of civilizations, examining political polarization and the fragility of democracy in the U.S. Diamond discusses the influence of geography and genetics on societal disparities, while also touching on the challenges of political compromise. Their engaging conversation navigates the unsettling dynamics of incivility and violence in political discourse, shedding light on contemporary societal issues.
Jun 17, 2019 • 58min
#160 — The Revenge of History
Michael Weiss, an investigative journalist known for his work on wars in Syria and Ukraine, and Yascha Mounk, an associate professor and democracy expert, dive into the current state of global politics. They dissect the rise of right-wing populism in Europe and America, discussing its threats to democracy. The duo examines Trump’s political instincts and the political liabilities of 'wokeness.' They also highlight the dangers of extreme partisanship, cancel culture, and the Left's failure to reassess its historical alliances.
