Sam Harris - scientist, atheist philosopher, writer

The popularizing atheistic ideology, Sam Harris, among other things, in his works raises the issue of sharing the interests of the church and the state. Is it possible? As a doctorate in philosophy in neurobiology, he criticizes religion from the standpoint of scientific skepticism. Revealing its true essence, calls for freedom of religion, proves the necessity and availability of public criticism of church dogmas.

Who is Sam Harris?

Seriously announced himself the book "The End of Faith", which he began to write after acts of terror in the United States in 2001. For this work in 2005 received a literary award. The book was in the lead on the rating for more than 30 weeks. Received a doctorate from a prestigious university. One of the directions of the thesis was to investigate the sites of the cerebral cortex by means of magnetic resonance at crucial moments of human decision making. We studied the influence of factors in determining judgments and motivations for action on various issues, including those related to faith and its absence.

Being the author of literary and journalistic works on philosophy and religion, he sharply expresses in them the need to revise approaches to morality, faith, the theory of lies, freedom of will and thinking, Islamic radicalism and terrorism. Sam Harris is co-founder of the project "Project Intelligence." Lectures at prestigious universities. Appears on television in documentary projects, actively discusses with well-known religious figures, responds to criticism of his books.

Life position

He believes that it is no longer possible to delay and it's time to openly, freely and reasonably start discussing religion, so that it is not a barrier to the development of scientific progress. Harris grew up without compulsion to believe in God. He does not hide that, as a student, he had experience in influencing his psyche of drugs. Sam Harris notes that by taking ecstasy, he got the opportunity to feel "insights".

In college I was engaged in fighting single combats. He left after the first year of university in India to join the spiritual practice of meditations. I tried various techniques under the supervision of Buddhist and Hindu teachers. He believes that one can get "enlightenment of the mind" without the influence of narcotic drugs, and he tried to achieve this by experimenting on himself. 11 years later he returned to the university, finished his studies, becoming a philosopher with a doctoral degree.

Biography

Sam Harris is now 49 years old. He appeared in Los Angeles in April 1967. He grew up in the family of Berkeley and Susan Harris. His father is an actor, and his mother is a producer and creator of a television series (comedy). In college, he was seriously engaged in martial arts and even was a mentor in the group. Enrolled at Stanford University and graduated with a break in school for 11 years. Bachelor of Philosophy since 2000.

What does Sam Harris say about his personal life? Books and biography after their release are closely related. The philosopher-atheist does not like to discuss the family values, referring to security considerations in an age of intolerance. Criticizing in their works the connection between religious beliefs and terrorism, he risks becoming a target of fanatics and putting himself under attack of his relatives. Married since 2004. His wife, Annaka, editor of literature and co-founder of the project "Project Razum", founded to spread knowledge about the surrounding society for good purposes. A couple has two daughters.

Sam Harris: Books

The most significant and fundamental was his debut work. The tragic events of 2001 in the USA pushed her to write it. What is the book "The End of Faith"?

Sam Harris in it tries to analyze the "battle" of religion with the progressive mind of a changing modern society. As arguments lead historical parallels, focusing on events, when blind and boundless faith led to evil and disasters. Openly calls on society to reject the possibility of active intervention by the church and, in general, organized religion in the affairs of states and world politics.

After a lot of criticism he tried to convey his idea and defend the ideology in the "Letter to the Christian Nation" (2006). After four years of polemic and discussion, his "Moral Landscape" (2010) is published. In this work, the author tries to convey the message that only science can explain complex issues of moral values and their impact on the welfare of an individual and society as a whole.

In the next work, a short essay that appeared in 2011, "Falsehood" ("Falsity"), Harris discusses the origins and nature of this vice. In 2012, there is another small documentary narrative about "Freedom of the will". Concludes at the moment the list of author's editions of his manual-guide ("Awakening", 2014) on the preservation of spirituality without the participation of religion.

Criticism

Many times he spoke in defense of his ideas and world outlook, proving the inconsistency of accusations of manifestation of intolerance and hatred. Sam Harris was condemned for trying to justify the use of torture (judicial practice) in special cases and as an exception to the rules. His opponents are not satisfied with the author's desire to submit and explain the problems of the science of moral values in a simplified form.

Harris' special opinion about the psychology of radical Islamists and terrorists going to death for the sake of faith also causes a wave of misunderstanding and discontent. Criticized for the definition of the concept of "religious fanaticism." For his active position he is considered to be the "messengers of the Apocalypse". Many also argue that in his works there is no new information, and the mentioned historical facts are simply submitted in a new and distorted by the author atheistic vision of the essence of events.

Support

His books are popular, listen to lectures are going to complete the halls, discussions on television raise the ratings of programs, where there is Sam Harris. "Lies," his small essay, was printed in a separate edition. Support it and like-minded people. Even critics find rational grain in his texts.

It's hard to challenge the obvious and obvious problems of faith that have been trying to close your eyes for centuries and that Sam Harris has brought to the surface. In his works he raises the question and calls upon those who consider it appropriate to thank God for pleasant everyday trifles. It is especially relevant at the same time when innocent children born in another faith, a society with other moral values and ideals, suffer and die in terrible agony.