The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values in Atheists and Skeptics

Apr 30, 2010 Richard rated it really liked it

Given that nearly everyone who reads this book will disagree vehemently with its conclusions, and given that the subject matter is almost entirely theoretical, Moral Landscape needed to have been more thoroughly researched and more scholarly in its presentation in order to achieve Harris' goals. I'd originally given the book five stars because, in my opinion, Harris' central points are intriguing and probably correct, but on further reflection I've had to scale my enthusiasm back.

Those who disag ...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Mark Gowan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

You know what you are going to get with Sam Harris, a member of the so-called "new atheist" movement (a name he shuns). Harris' writings are direct, to the point, and based upon a clear use of critical analysis. What I like about Harris' book the most is that it breaks the illusionary lines between morality, the individual, the society, and science. While Harris is not the first to broach the subject of applying critical analysis to ethics, I would argue that he has done so in the most clear and ...more

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Nov 26, 2010 Melanie rated it liked it

I listened to this as an audio book read by the author.

I like the premise of this and I found some of the ideas very intriguing. There were even a few things I hadn't thought about before. He makes a very strong case against religion and its affects on society and morality and he made me realize I've been coping out on taking a real stand on this. In a society dominated by Christianity, it is very hard to express a view that is non-Christian but even harder to express an anti-Christian viewpoint ...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Charles rated it really liked it

This is actually the first book by Harris that I have read, not feeling the need to read The End of Faith after having read Dennett, Dawkins and Hitchens. This book offers a more specific argument than just a critique of religion so, after several acquaintances had read it, and finding it at the local library I went ahead and gave it a go. I would honestly rate this somewhere between a 3 and 4 star, because I felt he could do with a little less defending himself against his criticisms and more l ...more

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May 23, 2011 Fox rated it really liked it

Shelves: philosophy, atheism, non-fiction, religion

This book is a bold jump into the field of science-based ethics. The idea that science can address morals and values is an interesting one, and deserves investigation. Harris demonstrates his wonderful geekiness with an index and notes section almost equivalent in size to the rest of the book, but perhaps to make up for a lack of thoroughness in philosophical reason. I really enjoyed the book and really--he is presenting an idea very much on its infancy, so kudos for that. The preliminary argume ...more

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Sep 06, 2010 David rated it it was amazing

I've read each of Sam Harris' books, The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, and now The Moral Landscape. I have to say I enjoyed this one the most.

While Sam is considered to be a leader in the New Atheist movement, he does not actually apply the terms atheist and atheism to himself and his work. It is an empty term in his mind. You do not go around saying a not-astrologer. Sam is however a scientist and has great faith in what science can teach us. This new book explains why science ca ...more

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