This fallacy occurs when the validity or value of an idea, practice, or institution is justified solely on the grounds that “it has always been this way” or “it has been done for many years,” without examining evidence, logic, or present-day circumstances.
Definition:
The appeal to tradition is a reasoning error in which the tradition or long-standing history of a practice is presented as sufficient justification for its continuation, even when evidence and reasoning show that circumstances have changed or better methods exist. In this fallacy, the persistence of tradition replaces logical and critical examination. Traditions are like weights from the past carried in today’s human backpack; weights whose heaviness is acceptable only insofar as they allow forward movement, but which, if too heavy, hinder progress.
Typical structure of this fallacy:
1. X has always been done in the past.
2. Therefore, X must continue to be done.
Examples from real life:
1. Culture and customs:
“We have always celebrated this festival in this way, so we must continue to do so.”
Here, it should be noted that while cultural traditions can be part of a nation’s identity and heritage, if certain aspects of these ceremonies or customs are discriminatory or violate human dignity and equality, they must be changed or reviewed to align with universal human rights values.
2. Education:
“We have always taught in this way, so it is the best method.”
Here, it should be noted that although educational traditions may be well-established and familiar, if the approaches used prevent the full development of the human personality—as emphasised in paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—they must be reformed or replaced.
3. Politics:
a) “This law has existed since the founding of the country, so it must be preserved.”
Here, it should be noted that old laws may be incompatible with the current circumstances and values of society.
b) “The immunity of state leaders from prosecution is a tradition as old as history and should not be challenged.”
Here, it should be noted that such immunity, if it prevents accountability for serious crimes such as human rights violations, war crimes, genocide, or large-scale corruption, is not only logically unjustified but also conflicts with the principle of equality before the law, as emphasised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
4. Workplace:
“We have always done this work with these tools, so there is no need to change.”
Here, it should be noted that the use of outdated methods or tools, if it endangers the health and safety of workers or drastically reduces productivity, should be abandoned or updated. Furthermore, any work method that conflicts with workers’ rights—such as the right to safe and fair conditions—requires immediate reform.
Why is this fallacy dangerous?
● It hinders innovation and progress.
● It can lead to the preservation of ineffective or harmful practices or beliefs.
● It can justify human rights violations on the basis of tradition.
● It replaces critical examination with reliance on past habits and customs.
How can we recognise and respond to it?
Ask:
– On what scientific and logical evidence should old traditions or practices still be considered valid?
– Have circumstances or needs not changed?
– Are there newer and more effective methods?
A suitable response might be: “The fact that something has always been done this way does not necessarily mean it is right or better. Let’s evaluate it by today’s standards and on the basis of human rights.”
Conclusion:
The appeal to tradition fallacy, by relying solely on precedent and continuity, accepts the validity of a practice or belief without examining current evidence and circumstances. To avoid it, each tradition or practice should be assessed according to its effectiveness, ethics, and relevance to today’s needs—not merely by reference to a past in which human rights violations were commonplace and readily accepted. The distinction between a valuable heritage and a heavy burden from the past lies in such a critical evaluation and alignment with the principles of universal human rights.
The fallacies of appeal to the majority(Appeal to Popularity), appeal to nature(It’s Like This Everywhere), and appeal to tradition can overlap, as all three rely on some form of uncritical external authority instead of independent reasoning.