The Colbert Report Season 2 Episode 53 Sam Harris

The Colbert Report season 2 episode 53 features special guest Sam Harris. Sam Harris is a writer, philosopher, and neuroscientist, who Stephen Colbert describes as an "atheist superstar."

The episode begins with Stephen Colbert talking about Sarah Palin's resignation as Governor of Alaska, and the speculation surrounding her next move. Colbert then introduces Sam Harris, who is there to promote his new book, "The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values."

Colbert starts off the interview by joking that Harris is trying to replace God with science, but Harris explains that his book is not about replacing God, but rather about finding a way to talk about morality that is not tied to religion. Harris argues that science can help us understand what is morally right and wrong, and that we can make objective moral judgments based on scientific facts.

Colbert challenges Harris on this point, arguing that science can only tell us what is, not what ought to be. Harris counters by saying that we already make moral judgments based on objective facts, such as the fact that suffering is bad, and that we can use science to identify and measure the causes of suffering.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of free will, and Harris argues that while we may feel like we have free will, our actions and decisions are ultimately determined by factors beyond our control, such as our genes and our environment. Colbert challenges Harris on this point as well, arguing that without free will, there can be no morality.

Harris counters by saying that our lack of free will does not mean that we cannot be held responsible for our actions, or that we cannot make choices based on reason and evidence. He also points out that our legal system already takes into account the fact that some people may have less control over their actions due to factors such as mental illness or addiction.

The conversation ends with Harris and Colbert agreeing to disagree on some points, but also finding common ground on the importance of rational discourse and the need to find a way to talk about morality that is not tied to religious dogma.

Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of science, morality, and free will, and offers insights into Harris's unique perspective as a philosopher and neuroscientist.