Sam Harris, a previously unknown neuroscientist, single-handedly generated the New Atheism with his best-selling book The End of Faith, which quickly became a huge best-seller following its release in 2004.Harris went on to write several more best-sellers on a range of topics and has become one of the world's most followed podcasters. He is well-known for his controversial positions in many areas, including the unique danger of Islam, the advocacy of atheist spirituality through meditation, the beneficial use of psychedelics, denial of the existence of free will, his belief that science can tell us what's right and wrong, and his extreme alarmism with regard to the future of artificial intelligence. He is known for his debates with controversial figures such as Jordan Peterson and his unpleasant fallings-out with people like Bret Weinstein and Gad Saad. Sam Harris: Critical Responses brings together twenty serious criticisms of Sam Harris, by expert writers from diverse political and ideological backgrounds. Among the topics discussed:
● the limits of artificial intelligence
● the ethics of public health measures such as the Covid lockdowns
● the true source of ethical judgments
● evidence for a spiritual dimension and an afterlife
● whether the self is an illusion
● the possibility of superintelligence
● the reliability of the New Testament
● scientific and philosophical arguments for the reality of free will
● questioning Harris's readiness to label ideas he disagrees with as "dangerous"
● whether Islam is a unique threat to our safety
Sam Harris: Critical Responses is a collection of essays criticizing different aspects of Harris's thinking from a range of diverse perspectives--left and right, Christian and atheist, philosophical, psychological, and political. Though the criticisms are often severe, the approach is always reasonable and respectful. As one noted author commented on Sandra Woien's previous collection,
Jordan Peterson: Critical Responses, "Both fans and foes will appreciate this volume."
