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:I. Philosophical Beginnings - Cambridge, with a bit of Princeton thrown in II. Setting the Stage - Spinoza: a vignetteIII. Spinozistic Separation - Religion, science and politicsIV. Determinism - Howard gets stuckV. Modern Lessons - Mind, body, freedom and fortitudoVI. The Philosophical Life - Becoming philosophical and doing philosophyAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations:This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.