Rebecca Goldstein, a philosopher and novelist, discusses atheism, Spinoza, and the meaning of life without God. Topics include her novel, transitioning from Judaism to atheism, arguments against God's existence, and the relevance of Spinoza's philosophy. The conversation touches on morality, physics, consciousness, panpsychism, and the quest for significance in a vast universe.

Rebecca Goldstein, an American philosopher, talks about her book Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity. The podcast explores Spinoza's excommunication, his challenge to religion, and his influence on Western philosophy. It also discusses the concept of excommunication and Jewish identity, as well as Spinoza's attempt to transcend religious affiliation.