Within reason

"This highly informative biography shows how Spinoza's central beliefs developed within the context of his own life in Dutch society. Drawing on very recent scholarly research and making detailed reference to primary sources, some not previously explored, author Gullan-Whur focuses on the philosopher's attempt to act solely through reason in the face of turbulent personal and national circumstances." "Margaret Gullan-Whur debunks the myth of the philosopher as a lofty ascetic and exposes the emotional and sexual vulnerability behind Spinoza's misogynist tendencies. Within Reason offers a fresh, new, and compelling look at the most important Rationalist and shows his living philosophical experiment to be sharply relevant today."--Jacket.