Fallacies are common errors in reasoning that can lead to flawed arguments, faulty beliefs, and misguided actions. One of the most common fallacies is the “Appeal to Tradition”, which assumes that something is true or good just because it has been done or believed for a long time. In this article, we’ll explore what the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy is, why it’s problematic, and how to avoid it.
What is the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy?
The “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy is a type of argument that relies on the premise that because something has been done or believed for a long time, it must be true or good. For example, “We should continue to use paper books instead of e-books because that’s how we’ve always done it,” is an appeal to tradition. While tradition can be a powerful force in shaping our beliefs and behaviors, it’s important to recognize that not all traditions are good or true. Just because something is traditional, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better than new or different alternatives. Here are some additional examples of the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy:
“We should stick to the old-fashioned ways of farming because that’s how our grandparents did it.”
“We should follow this religious doctrine because it has been passed down from generation to generation.”
“We should celebrate this holiday because it’s been a tradition for centuries.”
Why is the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy problematic?
The “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy can be problematic for several reasons.
First, it assumes that the past is always better or more trustworthy than the present or the future, which may not be true. Society evolves over time, and some traditions may become outdated or harmful. For example, the tradition of slavery was once widely accepted, but we now recognize it as a gross violation of human rights. Similarly, some medical treatments that were once considered effective or safe have been replaced by better and safer alternatives. There’s a reason doctors no longer prescribe leeching, and we’re better off because of it!
Second, appealing to tradition can stifle innovation and progress. If we always do things the way they have been done before, we may miss out on new ideas, technologies, or approaches that could be better or more efficient than traditional ones. For example, if we only relied on traditional modes of transportation, such as horse-drawn carriages or walking, we would miss out on the benefits of modern vehicles such as cars, trains, and airplanes. Similarly, if we only relied on traditional forms of communication, such as letter writing or face-to-face conversations, we would miss out on the benefits of modern technologies such as email, social media, and video conferencing. By clinging to tradition, we may be limiting our own potential and the potential of society as a whole.
Third, relying on tradition as a justification for beliefs or actions can also lead to circular reasoning, where the premise and the conclusion are essentially the same. For example, if we believe that a certain practice is good because it’s traditional, and we believe that tradition is good because it’s traditional, we’re not really offering a valid or convincing argument. This kind of circular reasoning can be intellectually lazy and can prevent us from examining the underlying reasons or evidence for our beliefs.
How to avoid the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy?
To avoid the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy, it’s important to be aware of its basic premise and to question assumptions that rely solely on tradition. Here are some strategies to consider:
Consider the evidence: Instead of relying on tradition alone, look for empirical evidence or logical arguments that support or challenge a belief or practice. Don’t assume that something is true or good just because it’s traditional.
Use reason: Evaluate beliefs or practices based on their coherence, consistency, and compatibility with other beliefs or practices. Don’t assume that something is true or good just because it’s comfortable or familiar.
Reflect on values: Think about what values or principles are important to you and how they relate to the beliefs or practices in question. Don’t assume that something is true or good just because it aligns with your cultural or personal identity.
Seek diverse perspectives: Listen to and engage with people who have different perspectives or experiences. Don’t assume that your tradition or culture has a monopoly on truth or goodness.
Conclusion
The “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy is a common and potentially problematic error in reasoning that can lead to flawed beliefs and actions. While tradition can be a valuable source of wisdom and meaning, it’s important to recognize that not all traditions are good or true. By using evidence, reason, values, and diverse perspectives, we can avoid the “Appeal to Tradition” fallacy and make informed and thoughtful decisions.