Separating Good from Evil in the British Empire | Dr. Nigel Biggar | EP 359
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Truth & Power
and discuss the importance of aligning oneself with the truth. Nigel reflects on his early fascination with individuals who stand up for what they believe to be true, even when the world turns against them. He emphasizes that power itself is not inherently bad, but its ethical use is crucial. Nigel argues that critics often oppose power because they desire it for themselves, raising the question of whether they would use it justly.
We all want it. If we don't have power, we can't do anything right. So let's stop assuming that the power is always bad. The only question is whether we use power well or badly, justly or unjustly.
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Jordan adds that self-justification often leads to the misuse of power, highlighting the need for ethical integrity in its application 1 2.
Religious Calling
Nigel shares his journey to becoming a Christian ethicist, influenced by the national crises in Britain during the 1970s. He felt compelled to explore what theological and moral resources Christianity could offer in times of crisis. This sense of being 'possessed' by a calling is something he describes as an experience that came to him, rather than a conscious choice.
The experience came to me and said, Nigel, you don't really want to do this. And I said, no, I don't really want to do this.
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adds that this phenomenon is akin to the intrinsic logos of being, where certain interests and problems call to individuals independently of their will 3 4.
Ethical Integrity
Ethical integrity is a cornerstone of Nigel's work, both as a theoretical and practical ethicist. He believes that a good ruler or leader should be subordinate to higher principles such as truth, beauty, and justice. This idea is symbolized in the British monarchy, where the head of state receives authority from above.
A good ruler is one who recognizes that he is subject to the requirements of goodness, truth, and beauty.
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Nigel also stresses the importance of honesty and the willingness to face criticism, even when it is painful. He argues that admitting the faults of the British Empire, despite personal identification with it, is a mark of ethical integrity 5 6.