#330 — The Doomsday Machine | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of the “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast, the ongoing threat of nuclear war takes center stage. Sam Harris engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the ethics of dropping atomic bombs, the history and future of nuclear proliferation, vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, and the role of private citizens in mitigating nuclear risk. The podcast also delves into the movie “Oppenheimer,” the Long-View Philanthropy’s Nuclear Risk Policy Fund, and the importance of collective security in reducing the nuclear threat.

Main Takeaways

The Ethics of Dropping Atomic Bombs

• The decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is discussed, highlighting the ethical considerations involved.
• The film “Oppenheimer” is praised for taking its source material seriously but criticized for leaving out important details, such as the effect on downwinders and victims in Japan.
• The collective failure of imagination around nuclear weapons is explored, along with the cognitive dissonance and conflict portrayed in the movie.

The History and Future of Nuclear Proliferation

• The development of nuclear weapons during World War II and the fears of Nazi Germany getting there first are discussed.
• The limited proliferation of nuclear weapons to nine countries is seen as a success, but the potential for future proliferation remains uncertain.
• The marriage of miniaturized hydrogen bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles is identified as a step change in the level of danger to humanity.

Vulnerabilities to Cyber Attacks and Nuclear Risk Mitigation

• The vulnerabilities of nuclear weapons to cyber attacks are examined, highlighting the need for robust security measures.
• The role of private citizens in mitigating nuclear risk is discussed, with a focus on the Long-View Philanthropy’s Nuclear Risk Policy Fund.
• Financial support for NGOs working towards nuclear disarmament is emphasized as crucial for effective risk reduction.

Lessons from Historical Close Calls and Current Nuclear Risks

• The Cuban Missile Crisis is revisited, revealing that it was even riskier than previously thought and came close to nuclear catastrophe.
• The importance of individual decision-makers, such as JFK and Stanislav Petrov, in avoiding nuclear war is emphasized.
• The current nuclear risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s nuclear arsenal expansion are discussed, along with the need for political cooperation and dialogue.

The Role of Civil Society and Collective Security

• The significance of civil society in promoting nuclear disarmament and holding governments accountable is highlighted.
• Collaboration between countries is advocated to avoid delegating nuclear decisions to algorithms and to work towards collective security.
• The preservation of the nuclear taboo and the importance of philanthropy in supporting research and advocacy for nuclear disarmament are emphasized.

Summary

The Ethics of Dropping Atomic Bombs

This conversation delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While the movie “Oppenheimer” is praised for its serious approach, it is criticized for omitting important details about the impact on downwinders and victims in Japan. The film reflects a collective failure of imagination when it comes to nuclear weapons, and it effectively portrays the cognitive dissonance and conflict experienced by key figures like Oppenheimer. The Long-View Philanthropy’s Nuclear Risk Policy Fund is highlighted as a way for private citizens to contribute to mitigating nuclear risk.

The History and Future of Nuclear Proliferation

The development of nuclear weapons during World War II is explored, with an emphasis on the fear of Nazi Germany obtaining them first. The limited proliferation of nuclear weapons to nine countries is seen as a success, but the marriage of miniaturized hydrogen bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles represents a new level of danger. The ongoing challenge is to prevent further proliferation and ensure the responsible management of existing nuclear arsenals.

Vulnerabilities to Cyber Attacks and Nuclear Risk Mitigation

The vulnerabilities of nuclear weapons to cyber attacks are examined, highlighting the need for robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation. The conversation also emphasizes the role of private citizens in mitigating nuclear risk, particularly through initiatives like the Long-View Philanthropy’s Nuclear Risk Policy Fund. Financial support for NGOs working towards nuclear disarmament is crucial for effective risk reduction.

Lessons from Historical Close Calls and Current Nuclear Risks

The Cuban Missile Crisis is revisited, revealing that it was even riskier than previously thought and came dangerously close to nuclear catastrophe. The importance of individual decision-makers, such as JFK and Stanislav Petrov, in avoiding nuclear war is highlighted. The conversation also addresses the current nuclear risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s nuclear arsenal expansion, emphasizing the need for political cooperation and dialogue to manage these risks effectively.

The Role of Civil Society and Collective Security

The significance of civil society in promoting nuclear disarmament and holding governments accountable is emphasized. Collaboration between countries is advocated to avoid delegating nuclear decisions to algorithms and to work towards collective security. The preservation of the nuclear taboo and the importance of philanthropy in supporting research and advocacy for nuclear disarmament are highlighted as crucial factors in reducing the nuclear threat.

Conclusion

This episode of the “Making Sense with Sam Harris” podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the ongoing threat of nuclear war. From discussing the ethics of dropping atomic bombs to examining the vulnerabilities of nuclear weapons to cyber attacks, the conversation highlights the need for collective action and responsible decision-making to mitigate nuclear risk. Through the lens of history, current risks, and the role of civil society, the podcast emphasizes the importance of preserving the nuclear taboo and working towards a future where no conflict is worth the annihilation of cities.