JRE #641 – Sam Harris

4/29/2015

Joe Rogan Podcast #641 – Sam Harris: Topic Breakdown

This podcast features an in-depth conversation between Joe Rogan and Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author. The discussion ranges from the ethical implications of brain damage in MMA to the existential threat of artificial intelligence. Provocative topics include the nature of free will, the dangers of religious extremism, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Underlying themes explore the complex relationship between human behavior, free will, and determinism, the challenges of navigating a world with diverse and often conflicting values, and the responsibilities we face as a species on the brink of unprecedented technological progress.

1. The Ethics of Brain Damage in MMA

• Rogan and Harris discuss the ethical concerns surrounding brain damage sustained by MMA fighters, particularly in light of John Jones’s recent legal troubles.
• They debate the role of gloves in mitigating brain trauma, with Harris arguing that bare-knuckle fighting could actually reduce the severity of head injuries by making it more dangerous to deliver punches.
• The discussion extends to the broader issue of sports and recreational activities that carry inherent risks of injury, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and the need for comprehensive brain scans for athletes in high-impact sports.
• Harris’s views on free will and determinism complicate the issue of moral culpability, suggesting that even in cases of brain damage, individuals may not be entirely responsible for their actions.

2. The Role of Intentions in Morality

• Harris refutes Abby Martin’s claim that he believes intentions are the sole factor determining moral responsibility, using the example of a stabbing to illustrate the significance of intent.
• He argues that while intentions matter, they are not the only factor to consider, acknowledging the complexities of unintentional harm, miscalculations, and collateral damage, particularly in situations like drone strikes.
• The discussion delves into the limitations of using body counts as the sole measure of ethical conduct, particularly in the context of conflicts like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Harris emphasizes the need for nuanced analysis of conflict situations, considering the roles of cultural, political, and historical factors in shaping violence and the responsibility of individuals and nations to address these complexities.

3. The US Role in Global Conflict and the Influence of Oil

• Harris critiques Abby Martin’s claims about the US being the primary exporter of weapons and its alleged intentional killing of millions of people.
• He challenges the inflated figures cited by Martin, presenting more credible estimates and highlighting the complex dynamics of sectarian violence in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• He acknowledges the US’s role in unleashing sectarian conflict in Iraq but asserts that the US is not solely responsible for the subsequent violence.
• Harris argues that the US’s dependence on oil has driven its foreign policy decisions, resulting in alliances with oppressive regimes and a perpetuation of conflict in the Middle East.

4. The Nature of Religious Extremism and the Rise of ISIS

• Harris emphasizes the importance of understanding the ideological underpinnings of radical Islamic extremism, particularly the role of jihad in Islamic tradition.
• He argues that ISIS’s actions are not a recent aberration but rather a continuation of a long-standing tradition within Islam, citing the example of Muhammad’s own actions.
• He explores the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the appeal of religious extremism, including the allure of certainty, the search for meaning, and the desire for belonging.
• He highlights the urgent need for reform within Islam and the need to support those who are working towards greater tolerance and human rights within Muslim communities.

5. The Threat of Artificial Intelligence

• Harris discusses his evolving perspective on AI, acknowledging his initial skepticism and subsequent realization of the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
• He outlines the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the possibility of a “singularity” where AI surpasses human intelligence and begins to self-improve at an exponential rate.
• He highlights the potential risks associated with AGI, including the possibility of uncontrolled technological development, unintended consequences, and the potential for AI to become a threat to humanity.
• He suggests that even in the most benign scenario, the development of AGI poses significant political, economic, and ethical challenges that we are not yet equipped to handle.

6. The Unibomber’s Insights and the Progress of Technology

• Harris acknowledges that Ted Kaczynski, despite his extremist views, made some valid points about the destructive potential of technology.
• He argues that the progress of technology is not inherently good or bad, but rather a powerful force that can be used for both positive and negative purposes.
• He emphasizes the need to carefully consider the potential consequences of technological advancement and to design systems that are ethically aligned with human values.
• He discusses the limitations of relying solely on individual ethical codes to address societal challenges, arguing that we must focus on creating systems that are more just and equitable.

7. The Importance of Free Speech in a Democratic Society

• Harris emphasizes the fundamental importance of free speech in a democratic society, arguing that it is essential for safeguarding other freedoms and for enabling critical dialogue and dissent.
• He criticizes the increasing trend of suppressing speech, particularly in the context of Islam, arguing that it creates a dangerous double standard and undermines the principles of a free society.
• He uses the example of the Charlie Hebdo attacks to highlight the dangers of equating freedom of expression with the right not to be offended.
• He advocates for a clear and unwavering defense of free speech, even for ideas and opinions that are unpopular or offensive.

8. The Limits of Liberalism and the Need for Global Change

• Harris criticizes the tendency of liberals to avoid criticizing Islam, arguing that this silence stems from a combination of white guilt, political correctness, and a fear of backlash.
• He emphasizes the need for a more robust and critical liberalism that is willing to confront harmful ideologies and to champion human rights globally.
• He highlights the challenges of integrating Muslim immigrants into Western societies, particularly in the context of the competing values and ideologies at play.
• He suggests that true progress towards a more just and peaceful world requires a fundamental shift in our values and our understanding of the world.

This podcast with Sam Harris offers a thought-provoking and often controversial exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing our world. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of human behavior, ideology, and technology, ultimately urging us to confront these challenges with greater clarity, courage, and a commitment to the ideals of a more just and humane world.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “The ethical role of intentions is not all that matters, obviously. But intentions do matter.” – Harris clarifies his stance on intentions, emphasizing their significance in understanding moral responsibility.
• “The real catastrophe of Iraq apart from our going in in the first place, which I never supported… is that having gone in, we failed to anticipate the level of sectarian hatred, and we did very little to hedge against it.” – Harris critiques the US’s handling of the Iraq War, acknowledging the unintended consequences of intervention.
• “It’s not that I’m not interested in making the interventions that would make a difference… Whatever we should need to do now to him to make a society better and to make him better and to get restitution for the woman. What we should do all that.” – Harris emphasizes the need for both justice and rehabilitation, even when addressing individuals who have committed harmful acts.
• “The devil’s greatest trick is convincing you he doesn’t exist.” – Harris draws a parallel between the existence of evil in the world and the potential dangers of AI, suggesting that we may be blind to the true threats before us.
• “The only thing scarier than the development of strong artificial intelligence is not developing it.” – Harris argues that the potential benefits of AI outweigh the risks, suggesting that we must embrace this technological advancement while also carefully considering its implications.