Different Matters by Damien Grant

Professor Nigel Biggar on Different Matters and Colonialism

Nov 14, 2024

Professor Nigel Biggar, Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral Theology at Oxford and author of "Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning," dives deep into the multifaceted legacy of the British Empire. He challenges common narratives around greed, racism, and violence, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of colonialism's complexities. From the interplay of economic motives and humanitarian efforts to the shadow of slavery, Biggar urges critical reflection on history's lessons. The discussion also contrasts developmental outcomes in Ethiopia and Southern Rhodesia, revealing unexpected insights.

01:07:00

Creator website

Episode guests

Nigel Biggar

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The British Empire's motivations for expansion were complex, involving trade interests and cultural interactions rather than solely dominance and greed.

Colonial governance at times included humanitarian efforts, showcasing a dual focus on economic objectives and local development amidst exploitation.

Deep dives

Critiquing the British Empire's Legacy

The British Empire is often critiqued as primarily driven by greed, exploitation, and colonial control. However, some argue that this critique oversimplifies the complexities of imperialism. The British Empire's history is marked by nuanced motivations beyond mere economic interests; it was also shaped by interactions with various cultures and societies. Acknowledging that not all empires were alike can help contextualize the British Empire's actions amid the global history of empire-building.

Intro

4min

The British Empire's Complexity

14min

Colonial Complexities: Rights and Responsibilities

17min

Unraveling the British Empire and Slavery

16min

Violence and Paternalism in the British Empire

7min

Contrasting Development: Ethiopia vs. Southern Rhodesia

2min

Governance and Reform in the Context of British Imperialism

4min

Examining the Dual Legacy of Colonialism

3min

Nigel Biggar CBE is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Pusey House, Oxford.

In his recent book, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning Nigel Biggar addresses the crucial questions in eight chapters: Was the British Empire driven primarily by greed and the lust to dominate? Should we speak of ‘colonialism and slavery’ in the same breath, as if they were identical? Was the Empire essentially racist? How far was it based on the theft of land? Did it involve genocide? Was it driven fundamentally by the motive of economic exploitation? Was undemocratic colonial government necessarily illegitimate? and, was the Empire essentially violent, and its violence pervasively racist and terroristic?

Biggar makes clear that, like any other long-standing state, the British Empire involved elements of injustice, sometimes appalling. On occasions it was culpably incompetent and presided over moments of dreadful tragedy.

Tune in as controversial writer and podcast host, Damien Grant, interviews Professor Nigel Biggar about his book.

For more information, or to get in touch, visit the Different Matters Website.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

Different Matters by Damien Grant

Professor Nigel Biggar on Different Matters and Colonialism

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Critiquing the British Empire's Legacy

The Origins and Expansion of the British Empire

The Dual Nature of Colonial Governance

The Challenge of Slavery and Its Abolition

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts