Examines the close and circular connection between metaphysics, ethics and politics in Spinoza's thought Shows the entire system of Spinoza's philosophy to revolve around an ethical political challenge, dictated by historical circumstances Offers a different perspective from recent philosophical-political interpretations of Spinoza Provides the first systematic study of the metaphysic roots behind Spinoza's strongest political statements Weaves in comparisons and references to Machiavelli, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Vico and Hegel, and to many contemporary interpretations of Spinoza's thought...