Peterson Academy – Nigel Biggar – Deconstructing Decolonization

Peterson Academy – Nigel Biggar – Deconstructing Decolonization

Dr. Nigel Biggar

Philosopher

In Deconstructing Decolonization, a five-hour course, Dr. Biggar critically examines the concept of decolonization, arguing that the movement is largely misguided and threatens to undermine faith in the liberal West. The course delves into the complex histories of slavery and racism within the British Empire, emphasizing the role of Christian thought and the conviction in human equality in driving abolition and shaping colonial policies. Dr. Biggar rejects the characterization of these policies as “cultural genocide” and questions the case for reparations, advocating for a nuanced understanding of historical legacies and a focus on addressing current inequalities.

Lectures

In the first lecture, Dr. Biggar introduces the necessity to explain and critically examine the concept of decolonization in a nuanced way. He argues that the decolonization movement is largely misguided, resting on falsehoods about both the present and the past, particularly regarding the history of European countries with overseas empires. The lecture emphasizes the importance of this topic, as the cultural revolutionary form of decolonization threatens to undermine faith in the liberal West at a time of increasing threats from illiberal states.

In lecture two, we delve into the complex history of slavery within the context of the British Empire, examining its ancient roots, universal prevalence, and the moral and economic factors that led to its eventual abolition. The lecture highlights the significant role played by Christian thought and popular campaigns in driving the abolitionist movement, while also acknowledging the political compromises and economic considerations that shaped the process of emancipation.

In lecture three, Dr. Biggar delves into the complex topic of racism within the context of the British Empire, examining various historical examples and drawing nuanced distinctions between racism, patronizing attitudes, and cultural aloofness. The lecture emphasizes that, while the British Empire did contain instances of racial prejudice and discrimination, it cannot be fairly characterized as centrally or essentially racist, as it also demonstrated respect, admiration, and genuine benevolence toward native peoples, driven by a conviction in the basic human equality of all races.

In lecture four, Dr. Biggar argues that the British Empire’s policies toward native peoples in Canada, Australia, and other colonies were driven by a belief in the fundamental equality of all races and a desire to assimilate and “save” these populations through cultural adaptation to the modern world. While acknowledging the failings and suffering caused by residential schools, Dr. Biggar maintains that their intention was not to destroy native cultures but to enable them to survive and flourish. Dr. Biggar strongly rejects the characterization of these policies as “cultural genocide”, emphasizing the critical distinction between forced assimilation and the deliberate mass murder epitomized by the Nazi Holocaust.

In lecture five, we delve into the complex question of whether Britain should pay reparations for the evils of its colonial past. Dr. Biggar argues that while the British Empire committed grave injustices, it also brought significant benefits, making a simple moral assessment impossible. He critiques the case for reparations, highlighting the difficulties in determining culpability and compensation across generations. We conclude with the present and future-forward argument that the focus should be on addressing current inequalities, rather than attempting to rectify historical wrongs.

In our sixth and final lecture, we examine the motives behind decolonization movements, questioning the historical accuracy of their claims and the passions driving them to exaggerate the sins of colonialism. The lecture explores how material interests, professional pressures, self-righteous crusading, and a degenerate Christian sensibility may contribute to this overreach. It argues that the cultural revolutionary decolonizing narrative is ultimately false and risks undermining faith in Western liberal humanitarian values. To conclude, Dr. Biggar advocates for a nuanced understanding of historical legacies.