Summary

In "The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values," Sam Harris challenges the long-held belief that science cannot inform morality. Harris argues that values, principles, and meaning are not subjective but are fundamentally linked to the well-being of conscious creatures. He asserts that morality translates into facts that can be scientifically understood, especially concerning positive and negative social emotions and the neurophysiology of happiness and suffering.

Harris posits that the well-being of conscious beings is the only sensible foundation for morality, suggesting that intentions and behaviors affecting well-being are central to moral considerations. He critiques the traditional separation of facts and values, proposing that science should play a crucial role in determining how societies structure themselves to enhance human flourishing. The book draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to argue that science can help steer humanity away from misery and towards greater happiness.

The author introduces the concept of a "moral landscape," a space of real and potential outcomes where peaks represent optimal well-being and valleys signify suffering. Different cultural practices and ethical codes can be mapped onto this landscape, allowing for a scientific evaluation of their impact on human flourishing. Harris contends that not all moral questions have a single right answer, but multiple peaks can be equally valid. Still, some answers are objectively better than others, just as there’s a difference between healthy food and poison.

Harris addresses common objections to his thesis, such as the notion that morality is relative or that science cannot dictate how we ought to behave. He critiques religious perspectives that rely on divine authority and secular views that deny objective moral truths. The book discusses how science can resolve specific moral questions, even as our understanding of "well-being" continues to evolve. By linking morality to the empirical world, Harris hopes to foster a more rational and cooperative global civilization.

In exploring the neuroscientific basis of morality, Harris examines how the brain processes moral judgments and how emotions like compassion and empathy play a role. He discusses the implications of psychopathy and the illusion of free will on moral responsibility. Harris also tackles the contentious relationship between science and religion, advocating for reason as the primary tool for understanding meaning, morality, and the good life. He calls for a shift toward a rational, evidence-based approach to ethics, aiming to reconcile human knowledge and human values.