Sam Harris: Breaking the spell of propaganda | Full Interview

About this Video

• Video Title: Sam Harris: Breaking the spell of propaganda | Full Interview
• Channel: Big Think
• Speakers: Sam Harris
• Duration: 01:41:14

Introduction

This Big Think interview features Sam Harris discussing the challenges of navigating a world saturated with disinformation and propaganda. He explores the impact of social media, the crisis of meaning in a secular world, and the importance of reason and cooperation in addressing global challenges, including the rise of authoritarianism and the development of artificial intelligence.

Key Takeaways

• The Crisis of Meaning and Disinformation: Harris argues that the current information landscape, fragmented by social media, has led to a crisis of meaning and widespread political polarization, hindering cooperation and making rational discourse increasingly difficult.
• The Importance of Reason and Cooperation: He emphasizes the crucial role of reason and open-ended conversation in overcoming societal challenges. Cooperation, he argues, is fundamental to human progress and the prevention of large-scale conflicts.
• The Power of Belief and Language: Harris highlights the profound influence of belief systems and language on individual and collective actions. He suggests that much human suffering stems from discordant narratives and the acceptance of unfalsifiable beliefs.
• Cultivating Personal Wellbeing: Harris advocates for personal growth through practices like meditation, emphasizing the importance of training attention and breaking free from the constant identification with thought. He suggests that this fosters emotional regulation and a more positive experience of life.
• Artificial Intelligence: Risks and Responsibilities: Harris discusses the potential risks associated with the development of artificial intelligence, particularly the "alignment problem" – ensuring that advanced AI remains aligned with human interests. He suggests that a global arms race in AI development is unavoidable but ultimately needs to be addressed through global cooperation and political sanity.
• The Erosion of Trust in Media: Harris expresses concern over the decline of trust in traditional media institutions, which he attributes partly to political polarization and the distortion of journalistic practices by business models focused on clicks and audience capture. He emphasizes the need for reliable institutions that prioritize truth and accuracy.