Socrates in the City

James Orr: Maintaining Orthodoxy in an Evolving West

Mar 13, 2025
Dr. James Orr, a Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge, dives into the fascinating interplay between philosophy and religion. He discusses the Twilight of the West and the balance between orthodoxy and orthopraxy. The conversation explores the significant shift from a God-centered to a self-focused worldview, the reliability of human cognition amid evolutionary challenges, and how eternal values can guide us through modern dilemmas like technology and AI, advocating for a harmonious relationship between faith and reason.
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ANECDOTE

Philosophical Challenge to Faith

  • James Orr realized the biggest challenge to Christianity in a secular age is philosophical, not historical or theological.
  • His friend’s refusal to believe in the resurrection regardless of evidence highlighted the need to discuss the probability of theism.
INSIGHT

The West's Dual Roots

  • Western civilization's identity combines Hebraic and Hellenic influences.
  • The term 'Western civilization' primarily emerged in the 20th century amid concerns of decline.
INSIGHT

Civilizations' Natural Life Cycles

  • Civilizations undergo natural life cycles including twilight phases of decline.
  • Western civilization may be in such a twilight phase due to internal excess and complacency.
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