The Moral Landscape

By: Sam Harris

Narrated by: Sam Harris

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Sam Harris has discovered that most people, from secular scientists to religious fundamentalists, agree on one point: science has nothing to say on the subject of human values. Indeed, science’s failure to address questions of meaning and morality has become the primary justification for religious faith. The underlying claim is that while science is the best authority on the workings of the physical universe, religion is the best authority on meaning, values, morality, and leading a good life. Sam Harris shows us that this is not only untrue; it cannot possibly be true.

Bringing a fresh, secular perspective to age-old questions of right and wrong, and good and evil, Harris shows that we know enough about the human brain and how it reacts to events in the world to say that there are right and wrong answers to the most pressing questions of human life. Because such answers exist, moral relativism is simply false – and comes at increasing cost to humanity.

Using his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience, along with his experience on the front lines of the cultural war between science and religion, Harris delivers an explosive argument about the future of science, and about the real basis of human relationships.

©2011 Sam Harris (P)2011 Random House Audiobooks

Not what I expected

The message of the book is that scientic facts can help answer moral questions. However, Sam doesn't provide concrete examples for how this can be done.

I expected something like this:

Moral question: Should pornography be legal?
The opinions of people today: Yes, because it represents free speech and people should be allowed to express themselves. No, because it's sinful.
Scientific facts: Pornography significantly reduces the well-being of those who watch it and the people who produce it. Porn users are less satisfied in their relationships, have reduced activity in some parts of the brain, are more accepting of of violence towards women, can suffer erectile dysfunction, and consider women less capable and less valuable than men. Children who grow up watching porn have tend to avoid intimacy and have a distorted view of sexuality. All women are affected by pornography because they are increasingly valued based on their looks rather than their skills. Women who discover their spouses watching porn are deeply hurt, some developing post traumatic stress disorder.
Answer to moral question: Research shows pornography reduces the well-being of society in many ways. Therefore, to maximize well-being pornography should not be legal.

This is a concrete example on how science can answer a moral question. I expected the book to be filled with them.

But Sam rather makes a philosophical case for this. Which is alright but a few examples would have been much more convincing.

The most important thinker of our time

If you could sum up The Moral Landscape in three words, what would they be?

Probably the most elucidating book ever. The very idea that science can contribute to and has something to say about morality is eye-opening. I recommended this book for my brother who just entered medical school. Harris's arguments are overwhelmingly persuasive and if, God forbid ;), he died today, his contribution to society would have equalled 50,000 lifetimes of ordinary men. Bravo, Mr. Harris. I'm still speechless.

Does not refute Humeian is/ought distinction

Waste of time, doesn't attempt define "wellbeing" while claiming it's the only worthwhile moral value.

Enlightening and informative.

Would you listen to The Moral Landscape again? Why?

I've already listened to this book twice and think it will get another couple of run throughs. There is a whole new level of clarity to this books subject matter, it has given my general assumptions I make about life a good shake up. I feel like I know myself and the world better for listening to this book.

Any additional comments?

I'm not usually too keen on the books that the author narrates themselves but Sam Harris does a good job. It possibly would have been improved upon by a professional narrator but it does not detract from the book.

Science is the closest thing to finding what moral

Where does The Moral Landscape rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one of the top books I've listened, and will enjoy repeating the experience again.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Realizing that we have more power, knowledge and vision now to discover and understand fundamental truths about our lives, such as morality, values and spirituality. We're underestimating ourselves and let people from 3000 years ago decide what's wrong and right for us.

has he ever been offered the peace nobel price

Would you consider the audio edition of The Moral Landscape to be better than the print version?

no

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

cutting edge truth without frills

What about Sam Harris’s performance did you like?

yes

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

happy clarity without emotional dribble

Any additional comments?

recommended reading for all who believe in Father Christmas and the tooth fairy and for the clergy

Good ideas and good reading

Thanks Sam Harris for making this book!
Looking forward to reading Moore of your books

I am convinced

Lucid and rigorous in its argumentation, although the author goes off on tangents. Written in delightful prose -- I can think of few nonfiction authors that assemble sentences in such a fresh way. Read skillfully by the author, a few audio glitches and mic bumps not withstanding.

My book of the year.

Simply the best book of it's kind, brilliantly narrated by the author. Exceptional listen.

Interesting subject, but sometimes hard to follow the story

I find this book’s subject interesting and important. I like Sam Harris voice, but it is better when he is speaking freely. Here it changes a bit as he reading. I also find it hard to follow the story. There are several interesting parts, but I don’t immediately understand how they interconnect.