Questions of good and evil, right and wrong are commonly thought unanswerable by science. But Sam Harris argues that science can and should be an authority on moral issues, shaping human values and setting out what constitutes a good life.
I think scientific methods and approaches are part of the puzzle of generating human knowledge and values – but not the whole story. Just consider, for a moment, what possible differences obtain between notions of ‘knowledge’ and ‘wisdom’.
Yet, Harris’ arguments about the value of facts and the facts of values in a real, consequential world are quite simply outstanding. Lucid, logical and deeply sensible, Harris continues to push us towards a more intelligent and humane future. Watch his 2010 TED Talk on the issues of science, cultural relativism and human values (26 mins) below:
Sam's new book The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values comes out in October 2010. Buy it. Read it. Love it.
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7 comments:
I will definitely read this book. Perhaps our species will evolve to this level of reasoning before we annihilate ourselves. Oh, if only...
Hey Sharon,
I think it will take a concerted effort to gather together the best ideas and insights from all cultural traditions, especially science, at the same time as jettisoning the worse of those practices.
A ggod example that Sam cites in his talk is the practice in SOME muslim areas of killing one's daughter if they are raped. That is not acceptable in any way - no matter what.
His take on "flourishing" as moral standard is fundamental.
Only considered communication, open debate and compassion will allow us to increase the 'kind' of reasoning we need now, and will need in the future.
Michael,
This is Chris over from Beams and Struts. Nice post. I really like the talk as well.
If you're interested, I replied in an additional full post to your critiques/questions of my previous piece on Vattimo.
Link here
hey Chris, welcome.
I am aware of your reply, I'm just running crazy these days with deadlines and whatnot - but I FULLY intend to reply to your comments, which were well-written and provacative. I am also involved with the Integral Research Group who run the Zero Integral (formerly Integral Praxis) blog, and we shared your post with our readers.
I will post my reply to you on your site (or would you prefer I submit it so you can post it as a seperate article?), and on the Zero Integral site, and probably here too...
Give me a few days.
all the best,
m-
This moved me. It concerns issues that I often think about. It doesn’t give answers to by moral dilemmas but it does logically outline my confusion. Very entertaining and accessible. These are things we should definitely be considering!
PC,
Yeah I really like Harris' approach. I think science can help us be more aware, and therefore more ethical.
cheers~
michael,
no worries, I understand.
thanks for sending it along to zero integral (nice work btw).
Yeah, respond wherever you like, just if you can ping me to let me know when you have. thanks.
all the best.
chris
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