This book is based on an in-depth 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:

1. Philosophical Beginnings - Cambridge, with a bit of Princeton thrown in


2. Setting the Stage - Spinoza: a vignette


3. Spinozistic Separation - Religion, science and politics


4. Determinism - Howard gets stuck


5. Modern Lessons - Mind, body, freedom and fortitudo


6. The Philosophical Life - Becoming philosophical and doing philosophy

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.