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Spinoza Unravelled

Society & Culture Philosophy

Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle 8 episodes Nov 10, 2026

Spinoza Unravelled is a philosophy podcast that reads Spinoza's Ethics line by line and discusses what his ideas can offer contemporary life. Hosts Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle guide listeners through close readings of the text, making each argument accessible. The series is designed both for newcomers to philosophy and for longtime readers of Spinoza. No prior knowledge is required.

Episodes

09. Ethics, Part I: Definitions and Axioms: Can something cause itself? (Part 2) Nov 10, 2026 36:25 Ethics · Part I, “On God” · Definitions 1-3What does it mean for something to be the cause of itself? Michah and Clare explore the first three definitions of Spinoza’s Ethics, unpacking his puzzling opening claim that something’s very nature can involve its existence. These few lines begin to reveal a picture of reality in which existence and understanding are inseparable, offering our first clues

08. Ethics, Part I: Definitions and Axioms: What are they and what makes them true? (Part 1) Nov 2, 2026 25:46 Michah and Clare begin reading Part I of Spinoza’s Ethics, “On God”, with its eight definitions and seven axioms. Why does Spinoza begin this way, and what makes a definition true? From Euclid’s geometry to a letter about the Temple of Solomon, they explore the foundations of Spinoza’s philosophy and how we might approach a work that challenges our understanding of reality.Ethics · Part I, “On God

Introducing Spinoza’s Ethics: What to know before we begin. Oct 26, 2026 36:43 Before diving into Spinoza’s Ethics, Michah and Clare explain what the book sets out to do, how its five parts fit together, and what to expect from its definitions, proofs and scholia.Exclusive podcast offer: buy the edition used in the podcast, A Spinoza Reader, edited by Edwin Curley, directly from Princeton University Press and use code SPINOZA (all caps) for 40% off.View the book at Princeton

06. Spinoza’s path to philosophy: What place do pleasure and money have in a good life? (Part 6) Oct 19, 2026 29:55 Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s practical advice about pleasure, money and living among others. How can we enjoy life and fit into our communities without losing sight of what matters most? Bringing this first series to a close, they reflect on the personal story Spinoza has told us, what it reveals about his pursuit of joy, and the different starting point that awaits us in the Ethics.Treatise

05. Spinoza's path to philosophy: How can philosophy change the world? (Part 5) Oct 9, 2026 35:14 Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s plans for a society that helps more people flourish. Scientific knowledge, education, health and technology all have a part to play, but first we need to heal the intellect. The discussion leads to his first practical rule of living: speak in ways that ordinary people can understand. What does this tell us about how to read Spinoza himself?Treatise on the Emendat

04. Spinoza's path to philosophy: How is the mind united with nature? (Part 4) Oct 1, 2026 46:53 Michah and Clare explore a turning point in Spinoza’s Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect. Brief experiences of freedom begin to loosen the hold of wealth, honour and pleasure, allowing Spinoza to see these familiar pursuits in a new light. The discussion leads to his account of the highest good: enjoying knowledge of our union with the whole of nature, and sharing that joy with others.Tre

03. Spinoza's path to philosophy: Love, a source of suffering or a path towards joy? (Part 3) Sep 22, 2026 32:12 Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s image of philosophy as a remedy, debate what his account of attachment means for human relationships, and confront the gap between understanding a better life and being able to live it.Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §7–10

02. Spinoza's path to philosophy: What are the costs of conventional success? (Part 2) Sep 22, 2026 33:18 Michah and Clare examine approval, competition and the difference between an unreliable good and a lasting good we may not yet know how to attain.Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §4–6Exclusive podcast offer: buy the edition used in the podcast, A Spinoza Reader, edited by Edwin Curley, directly from Princeton University Press and use code SPINOZA (all caps) for 40% off.View the book a

01. Spinoza's path to philosophy: What could give us everlasting joy? (Part 1) Sep 22, 2026 36:33 Michah and Clare begin with Spinoza’s account of turning towards philosophy, exploring fear, the pull of wealth, honour and sense pleasure, and the risk of seeking a different way to live.Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §1–3Exclusive podcast offer: buy the edition used in the podcast, A Spinoza Reader, edited by Edwin Curley, directly from Princeton University Press and use code SPIN

Spinoza Unravelled

Episodes

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