Oakton lecture showcases controversial 17th century philosopher

Examine the life and works of the influential, but controversial 17th century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza during a free lecture 2 to 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus, 1600 East Golf Road, Room 1606.

"Why Was Spinoza Excommunicated?" will be presented by Steven Nadler, who examines why this radical thinker, who helped pave the way for the 18th-century Enlightenment, was excommunicated by the Amsterdam Portuguese-Jewish congregation before even publishing a philosophical treatise. Take a closer look at some of the "hot button" ideas that troubled many of his contemporaries.

Nadler is a professor of philosophy and humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the author of numerous books, including "Rembrandt's Jews," a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and "Spinoza: A Life," winner of the Koret Jewish Book Award.

For more information, contact Mohamed Mehdi, Oakton associate professor of humanities and philosophy, at mmehdi@oakton.edu.