194. Searching for God within Oxford and Cambridge | James Orr & Nigel Biggar

Sep 27, 2021

Join Dr. James Orr, an expert on philosophy and religion from Cambridge, and Dr. Nigel Biggar, a moral theology professor at Oxford, as they dive deep into the complexities of identity in a secular age. They discuss the interplay of nationalism and patriotism, the evolution of human rights, and the shifts from religious to secular identities. The conversation critiques modern views on authenticity and explores the philosophical roots of rights, all while emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue in navigating contemporary societal challenges.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Identity Crisis

Today's identity crisis stems from a loss of shared narratives and values.
These provided meaning, coordination, and societal direction.

INSIGHT

Accountable Identities

Identities are tied to stories, heroes, and values we embrace.
These are morally accountable and subject to critique.

INSIGHT

Replacement Religions

The decline of traditional religion can lead to the rise of replacement religions like nationalism.
These often divinize the nation, becoming a form of idolatry.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Neo-Aristotelian Metaphysics and the Theology of Nature

Robert Koons

William Simpson

James Orr

The book features original contributions by scholars engaging with Aristotelianism in contemporary metaphysics, philosophy of science, and philosophical theology. It advances a metaphysically unified framework that accommodates both scientific and theological knowledge, enriching the interaction between science, philosophy, and theology. The chapters are organized into three thematic sections: Naturalism and Nature, Mind and Nature, and God and Nature, addressing topics such as substantial forms in physics, the principle of proportionality in biology, and the hierarchy of being familiar to ancient philosophy.

Behaving in public

How to Do Christian Ethics

Nigel Biggar

In 'Behaving in Public: How to Do Christian Ethics,' Nigel Biggar presents a method of Christian ethics that navigates between conservative and liberal approaches. Biggar advocates for a 'Barthian Thomism,' which combines the theological depth of Karl Barth with the rational methodology of Thomas Aquinas. The book emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with non-Christians while maintaining theological integrity, and it encourages Christians to engage in public policy without compromising their faith. Biggar argues that Christians should learn from non-Christian interlocutors and that the will of God is often fulfilled outside the Church. The book is designed to help Christian ethicists engage the public effectively without sacrificing their theological principles.

In order to live

A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom

Yeonmi Park

In this memoir, Yeonmi Park recounts her struggle to survive in North Korea under the oppressive rule of Kim Jong-il. She describes her escape to China at the age of 13, where she and her mother faced severe hardships, including human trafficking. The book details their perilous journey across the Gobi Desert to Mongolia and eventually to South Korea, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to a new life and overcoming years of indoctrination. Park's story is a testament to her resilience and her emergence as a leading human rights activist before her 21st birthday.

In defence of war

Nigel Biggar

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.

Mind of God and the Works of Nature

James Orr

The Conscious Mind

In Search of a Fundamental Theory

David Chalmers

Inventing the Individual

None

Larry Sidentop

Larry Sidentop's "Inventing the Individual" challenges conventional narratives about the Enlightenment, arguing that the concept of the individual is deeply rooted in Christian thought and practice. The book traces the development of individualism from antiquity through the Middle Ages, highlighting the crucial role of canon lawyers and their interpretation of natural law. Sidentop demonstrates how the Christian emphasis on the inherent dignity and worth of each person, regardless of social status, laid the groundwork for modern conceptions of individual rights and freedoms. He counters the common misconception of a secular classical world, revealing the pervasive influence of religious beliefs and practices. Ultimately, the book offers a compelling revisionist history, showing how the seemingly secular values of the Enlightenment are profoundly indebted to the Christian tradition.

Consciousness explained

Daniel Dennett

In *Consciousness Explained*, Daniel Dennett undertakes a full-scale exploration of human consciousness. He challenges the traditional, commonsense theory of consciousness and introduces the 'Multiple Drafts' model as an alternative to the 'Cartesian Theater' concept. Dennett draws on a wealth of information from neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence to transform current theories about conscious life in humans, animals, and even robots. The book is praised for its accessible and engaging style, making complex scientific and philosophical concepts highly digestible for both experts and general readers[2][4][5].

The ethics of authenticity

Charles Taylor

In 'The Ethics of Authenticity,' Charles Taylor delves into the concept of authenticity as a central virtue in modern moral thinking. He argues that authenticity involves both the creation and construction of one's self, as well as openness to horizons of significance and self-definition in dialogue with others. Taylor discusses three malaises of modernity: individualism, the primacy of instrumental reasoning, and the soft despotism of modern systems. He emphasizes the need to balance individual expression with a sense of community and shared moral responsibility, highlighting the tension between these aspects and the potential for authenticity to become tyrannical if not recognized by others[1][4][5].

Animal Farm

George Orwell

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.