Sam Harris

Sam Harris (born 1967) is an American author with active interests in philosophy, religion and neuroscience.

His first book The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN/Martha Albrand Award, and his essays have appeared in numerous publications and internet forums. Harris has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Stanford University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in neuroscience, conducting research into the neural basis of belief, disbelief, and uncertainty, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Previously, Harris made a lengthy study of both Eastern and Western religious traditions. His second book, Letter to a Christian Nation, was published in September 2006.

Harris's basic theme is that the time has come to speak openly and unambiguously about what he sees as the dangers posed to society by religious belief. While highlighting what he regards as a particular problem being posed by Islam at this moment in respect of international terrorism, Harris has made a direct criticism of religion of all styles and persuasions.

He is also critical of the stance of religious moderation, which he sees as essentially providing cover to religious extremism, while at the same time acting as an obstacle to progress in terms of pursuing what he considers to be more enlightened approaches towards spirituality and ethics.