Spinoza Unravelled

Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Philosophy

Join us as we read Spinoza line by line and discover what it might teach us about our lives now. Hosted by Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle, the series explores Spinoza’s Ethics through close reading and discussion. The podcast welcomes listeners meeting philosophy for the first time and readers who have spent years with these works. No prior knowledge is required. We break down Spinoza’s writings so you can follow each idea and, most importantly, discover a new way to live.

Episodes

  1. Oct 9

    05. Spinoza's path to philosophy: How can philosophy change the world? (Part 5)

    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 Emendation of the Intellect §14–17, through the first rule of living 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 University Press ↗

  2. Oct 1

    04. Spinoza's path to philosophy: How is the mind united with nature? (Part 4)

    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. Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §10-13 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 University Press ↗

  3. Sep 22

    03. Spinoza's path to philosophy: Love, a source of suffering or a path towards joy? (Part 3)

    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

  4. Sep 22

    02. Spinoza's path to philosophy: What are the costs of conventional success? (Part 2)

    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 · §4–6 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 University Press ↗

  5. Sep 22

    01. Spinoza's path to philosophy: What could give us everlasting joy? (Part 1)

    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 · §1–3 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 University Press ↗

  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join us as we read Spinoza line by line and discover what it might teach us about our lives now. Hosted by Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle, the series explores Spinoza’s Ethics through close reading and discussion. The podcast welcomes listeners meeting philosophy for the first time and readers who have spent years with these works. No prior knowledge is required. We break down Spinoza’s writings so you can follow each idea and, most importantly, discover a new way to live.

Information

  • Creator
    Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michah Gottlieb and Clare Carlisle

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