Exploring Spinoza

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Susan James, Professor of Philosophy at Birbeck, University of London. Susan James is an internationally-renowned Spinoza scholar and author of Spinoza on Philosophy, Religion and Politics and Spinoza on Learning to Live Together which are discussed in detail during this wide-ranging conversation. After an inspiring story of how she became interested in philosophy, Susan James provides detailed insights into Spinoza’s ideas and their current relevance; the political environment and the theological struggle about who has control of religion and how much freedom of religion there is during Spinoza’s time.  


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Rational Humanist, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

I. Philosophical Beginnings - Cambridge, with a bit of Princeton thrown in 
II. Setting the Stage - Spinoza: a vignette
III. Spinozistic Separation - Religion, science and politics
IV. Determinism - Howard gets stuck
V. Modern Lessons - Mind, body, freedom and fortitudo
VI. The Philosophical Life - Becoming philosophical and doing philosophy




About Ideas Roadshow Conversations:


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.