Independent scholarship is dangerous in era of mob rule – as the case of the professor who defended British Empire shows

When we embark on an academic career we do so in the hope that we shall have something original to say so as to make a significant contribution in our own field of learning.

But it is dangerous to be intellectually independent if we have to face into an academic mob driven by self-interest and personal ambition.

In a way, such a mob is the worst of all mobs.

For this reason I admire the stand taken by Nigel Biggar of Christ Church College, Oxford.

We do not have to agree with his views on the British Empire.

But we must respect his right to defend and even promote them in a context of reasoned and civilised academic debate.

I urge Professor Biggar to be of good cheer and good courage.

If his scholarship is sound then his arguments will prevail –even if he himself does not.