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
Jun 6, 2019 • 31min
#159 — Conscious
Annaka Harris, an author and science writer, discusses her thought-provoking book on consciousness. She shares insights on the complexities of consciousness and its significance in literature and daily life. The conversation features humorous anecdotes about her first meeting with Sam Harris, revealing their shared passion for philosophy. They delve into the hard problems of consciousness, evolutionary implications, and the intriguing concept of panpsychism, inviting listeners to reconsider their perceptions of awareness and free will.
May 30, 2019 • 59min
#158 — Understanding Humans in the Wild
In this discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, dives into the dynamics of effective teamwork and the influence of personality types on workplace interactions. He shares insights on the art of saying 'no' and the importance of creativity and resilience in professional relationships. The conversation also touches on Jonas Salk's complex legacy and examines skepticism surrounding meditation and its alternatives. Grant's practical advice on navigating power dynamics and fostering a positive workplace culture offers a fresh perspective on collaboration.
May 20, 2019 • 35min
#157 — What Does the Mueller Report Really Say?
Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and co-founder of Lawfare, shares his insights on the Mueller Report. He discusses the evolution of legal journalism and the founding principles of Lawfare. Wittes clarifies misconceptions surrounding the report's findings, particularly about Russian interference in the 2016 election. He critiques Attorney General Barr's handling of the report and delves into the complexities of obstruction of justice and foreign contacts with the Trump campaign, shedding light on the implications for national security.
May 13, 2019 • 41min
#156 — The Evolution of Culture
Nicholas Christakis, a physician and sociologist at Yale University, explores the evolutionary roots of societal behavior in his new book, "Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society." He discusses how human behavior is influenced by group dynamics, tribalism, and the impact of social media. Christakis sheds light on the dual nature of our social traits, featuring both negative and positive aspects. He also delves into the complexities of grief and examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding political loyalty, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive community.
70 snips
Apr 29, 2019 • 49min
#155 — Mental Models
In this engaging dialogue, Shane Parrish, a blogger and podcaster known for his insights on mental models, joins the discussion. They explore decision-making frameworks, diving into cognitive biases and the perils of impulsive choices. Parrish shares his cybersecurity journey, emphasizing online privacy challenges and the risks tied to foreign dependence in critical infrastructure. The two also tackle the impact of optimism bias on rational thought and the complexities of ethical dilemmas in today's polarized discourse.
Apr 25, 2019 • 54min
#154 — What Do Jihadists Really Want? (2019)
Exploring the motivations behind jihadist beliefs reveals their deep-rooted religious convictions, challenging the notion that hatred of the West is the sole driver. The allure of extremism is dissected, highlighting how spirituality and the thrill of violence give recruits a sense of purpose and identity. The intricate relationship between religion and conflict is examined, illustrating how extreme interpretations can lead to aggression. Finally, the importance of confronting divisive ideologies through proactive measures is emphasized for fostering peace.
Apr 15, 2019 • 1h 39min
#153 — Possible Minds
Guests George Dyson, a historian of technology, and Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist from UC Berkeley, dive into the fascinating intersections of AI and human cognition. They discuss how insights from child development can inform AI research, exploring the importance of curiosity and creativity. The conversation further probes the ethical complexities surrounding advanced AI technologies while reflecting on the historical figures like Turing and von Neumann, whose legacies continue to shape our technological landscape.
10 snips
Mar 27, 2019 • 50min
#152 — The Trouble with Facebook
Roger McNamee, a Silicon Valley investor and early advisor to Facebook, discusses his book, 'Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe.' He delves into the negative impact of social media on democracy, highlighting unethical business practices and the role of misinformation. McNamee reflects on his early interactions with Mark Zuckerberg, expressing concerns about Facebook's influence on public health and election security. He emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in tech and critiques the troubling data collection and manipulation practices that drive societal division.
Mar 18, 2019 • 33min
#151 — Will We Destroy the Future?
In this engaging discussion, Nick Bostrom, a renowned philosopher from Oxford and head of the Future of Humanity Institute, tackles the pressing issue of existential risk. He shares insights on the vulnerable world hypothesis, questioning whether technological advancements could spell doom for humanity. Bostrom highlights the ethical quandaries we face with AI, biotechnology, and nuclear threats. He also explores the influence of moral frameworks on our decisions about the future, pondering if we’re navigating a simulated reality as we confront these challenges.
5 snips
Mar 12, 2019 • 50min
#150 — The Map of Misunderstanding
Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate and psychology professor at Princeton, dives into the fascinating complexities of human decision-making. He addresses the replication crisis in science and the pitfalls of cognitive biases, emphasizing how framing affects moral dilemmas. Kahneman also explores the paradox of worry in motivating action against climate change and the asymmetry between pleasure and pain in our reactions to gains and losses. Their conversation reveals how storytelling influences beliefs and policymaking, offering profound insights into human behavior.
