The Moral Landscape

by Sam Harris
The Moral Landscape cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Philosophy
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Technical
  • ID: 2507
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780593064870
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Moral Landscape,' Sam Harris takes on the age-old debate about the relationship between science and morality. He argues that moral values can indeed be grounded in scientific facts about human well-being, dismantling the common belief that ethical systems must be based on religious faith. Harris contends that science can help us determine what is right and wrong, leading to a more rational and compassionate society./n/nHarris explores the implications of this perspective, addressing questions about the nature of consciousness, the role of neuroscience in understanding human behavior, and the potential for a universal moral framework. His provocative arguments challenge readers to reconsider the foundations of their beliefs and the role of science in shaping a more ethical world.

Reviews
Jetpress · R Blackford · 2025-10-15
positive 4.50

The reviewer enjoys the book and recommends it highly, despite its technical material. They find Harris's arguments compelling and well-presented.

R Blackford thoroughly enjoyed Sam Harris's The Moral Landscape and recommends it highly. They appreciate Harris's ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Blackford finds the book's technical material, ranging from neuroscience to philosophy, well-explained and thought-provoking. They particularly admire Harris's arguments for moral realism and his critique of relativism. Overall, Blackford believes the book offers valuable insights and is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and morality.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed this book, and I recommend it highly.

    Harris makes it all accessible and engaging.

    The book offers valuable insights into the intersection of science and morality.

The Guardian · Jules Evans · 2012-04-14
mixed 2.50

The book attempts to apply science to morality but meets with mixed results. The reviewer finds some arguments compelling but ultimately unsatisfying.

In this review, Jules Evans explores Sam Harris's ambitious attempt to apply scientific principles to moral questions. They appreciate Harris's bold approach and some of his insights, particularly his critique of moral relativism. However, they find the execution flawed and the arguments not always convincing. Evans suggests that while the book raises important questions, it doesn't fully deliver on its promises. They highlight that Harris's ideas, while thought-provoking, often lack the depth and rigor needed to sustain his ambitious thesis.

Quick quotes

    New Atheist Sam Harris attempts to apply science to morality in his latest book – with mixed results.

    Harris's arguments are bold but often lack the depth needed to convince.

    The book raises important questions but doesn't fully deliver on its promises.

MetaMagician3000 Blog · 2011-01-15
positive 4.00

The book provides a compelling argument for selective intolerance toward harsh moral traditions. The reviewer finds Harris's moral realism persuasive.

This review highlights Sam Harris's compelling argument for selective intolerance toward harsh moral traditions in The Moral Landscape. The reviewer finds Harris's moral realism persuasive and well-articulated. They appreciate his critique of moral relativism and his advocacy for a science-based approach to ethics. The book is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of how science can inform our understanding of morality. The reviewer believes Harris's arguments are compelling and worth considering, even if they may not convince everyone.

Quick quotes

    Harris provides a compelling argument for selective intolerance toward harsh moral traditions.

    He argues via a kind of moral realism that is persuasive and well-articulated.

    The book is a thought-provoking exploration of how science can inform our understanding of morality.

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