Sam Harris
Sam Harris is an American philosopher, neuroscientist, author, and podcast host. His work touches on a range of topics, including rationality, religion, ethics, free will, neuroscience, meditation, psychedelics, philosophy of mind, politics, terrorism, and artificial intelligence. Harris came to prominence for his criticism of religion, and Islam in particular, and is known as one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism, along with Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett. Harris released a meditation app, Waking Up with Sam Harris. He was one of the original core members of the so-called "intellectual dark web", although Harris has stated that he does not identify as a part of that group.
Books Mentioned on Lex Fridman Podcast #365 - Sam Harris
Book Title: The End Of Faith – Religion, Terror, And The Future Of Reason
Author: Sam Harris
Book Title: The Moral Landscape – How Science Can Determine Human Values
Author: Sam Harris
Book Title: Lying
Author: Sam Harris
Book Title: Free Will
Author: Sam Harris
Book Title: Waking Up – A Guide To Spirituality Without Religion
Author: Sam Harris
Book Title: Against Empathy – The Case For Rational Compassion
Author: Paul Bloom
Book Title: Being There
Author: Jerzy Kosinski
Books by Christopher Hitchens
Book Title: How To Fight Anti-Semitism
Author: Bari Weiss
Book Title: Apollo’s Arrow
Author: Nicholas A. Christakis
Book Title: Human Compatible – Artificial Intelligence And The Problem Of Control
Author: Stuart Russell
Book Title: War
Author: Sebastian Junger
Book Title: Brave New World
Author: Aldous Huxley
Book Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Lex Fridman & Sam Harris - A Dive into Contemporary Controversies and Intellectual Pursuits
In a compelling episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Lex sat down with the influential thinker, Sam Harris. Beyond the usual academic discourse, their conversation effortlessly meandered through the terrains of philosophical musings and the tumultuous landscape of current events. The blend of deep intellectual insights and real-world controversies made for an enlightening dialogue.
The Philosophical Dimension: AGI and Free Will
A significant portion of their discussion revolved around the enigmas of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the concept of free will. Both Fridman and Harris, with their deep intellectual backgrounds, pondered the future of AGI and the moral and ethical implications it holds. Alongside, the duo delved deep into the intricacies of free will, exploring the nature of human choices in an increasingly deterministic world.
Navigating the Controversial Waters of Current Events
No topic seemed off-limits as Fridman and Harris ventured into the controversial domains of politics and global events. From dissecting the polarizing figure of Donald Trump to discussing the contentious theories surrounding the origins of the pandemic, their conversation highlighted the nuances and complexities of these topics. Their approach underscored the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the need for critical thinking in the face of rampant misinformation.
Public Figures at the Heart of Discourse
The discussion took a personal turn as they shared their insights on influential figures like Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and Kanye West. Their conversation wasn’t just an exploration of these personalities, but a reflection on their profound impact on contemporary discourse. Fridman and Harris emphasized the dual role these figures play, both as influencers and as reflective mirrors of society’s evolving sentiments.
Conclusion
The dialogue between Lex Fridman and Sam Harris serves as a testament to the power of open, informed discussions. Their conversation, blending philosophical inquiries with real-world issues, highlights the importance of discerning thought in our complex modern era. As listeners, we are left with a renewed appreciation for evidence-based dialogues and the continuous quest for understanding in a world filled with noise.