In this engaging discussion, Lord Nigel Biggar, Emeritus Regis Professor of Moral Theology at Oxford, delves into the complex legacy of the British Empire. He explores its dual nature, acknowledging both its contributions to economic growth and its more troubling aspects. The conversation further examines the moral implications of colonialism, the role of religious influences in governance, and draws parallels between historical colonization and modern immigration. Biggar challenges listeners to reflect on patriotism and the cultural narratives shaping contemporary Britain.
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insights INSIGHT
Defining Colonialism
Colonialism is the imprecise term for a complex phenomenon.
It involves one people settling in large numbers on another's land, dominating them.
insights INSIGHT
Modern Colonization?
Mass immigration can resemble colonization when enclaves form, hindering integration.
Unlike traditional colonies, successful immigration ideally involves assimilation.
insights INSIGHT
Diasporas and Enclaves
Large diasporas can create self-sustaining enclaves, limiting interaction with the host culture.
This can hinder social cohesion and create parallel societies.
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In this book, Nigel Biggar argues for the moral justification of war using the principles of just war thinking. He applies these principles to several conflicts, including the First World War, the NATO intervention in Kosovo, and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Biggar distinguishes between justice in going to war (ius ad bellum) and justice in the course of fighting a war (ius in bello) and defends the traditional just war criteria. The book also engages with contemporary philosophical and legal critiques of the just war tradition, advocating for a nuanced and theologically grounded approach to the ethics of war[1][4][5].
Between Kin and Cosmopolis
An Ethic of the Nation
Nigel Biggar
In 'Between Kin and Cosmopolis: An Ethic of the Nation', Nigel Biggar delves into the complex relationship between national identity and cosmopolitan ideals. The book examines the ethical implications of these concepts, arguing for a balanced approach that respects both national kinship and global responsibilities. Biggar draws on theological and philosophical perspectives to provide a nuanced discussion on the moral foundations of national ethics.
What's Wrong with Rights?
Nigel Biggar
Colonialism
A Moral Reckoning
Nigel Biggar
Exodus
Leon Uris
The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition. The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.
Lord Nigel Biggar CBE is Emeritus Regis Professor of Moral Theology at Oxford and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Pusey House. Nigel holds a BA in Modern History from Oxford and a PhD in Christian Theology and Ethics from the University of Chicago. In 2021, he was appointed CBE for services to higher education. His books include Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning and What's Wrong With Rights?. He has written for publications such as the Financial Times, The Times, Daily Telegraph, The Spectator, The Irish Times, and Quillette.
In this episode, Nigel and I think out aloud about why there was no essential motivation for British Empire, its legacy - good, bad, and ugly, the meaning of colonialism, how the British governed, the role of biblical tradition in governance, the British Raj, whether Britain is experiencing colonisation in an era of mass immigration, finding patriotism, the legacy of slavery and its abolition in Britain, and which cultural narratives may take hold in Britain and much, much more.
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