Lesson 16: Appeal to Tradition

Spot the Faulty Logic #

“We’ve always done the science fair in March. We can’t move it to April just because it would work better with the schedule. That’s not how we do things here!”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. What seems wrong with this reasoning?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

Traditions can provide comfort, connection, and a sense of identity. When something has worked in the past, it’s natural to assume it will continue to work. Change can feel risky and uncertain, while tradition feels safe and proven.

People use this reasoning to resist changes they don’t want to make, or when they haven’t thought critically about why something is done a certain way. It’s common in families, organizations, and societies when facing decisions about whether to keep doing things the old way or try something new.

Appeal to Tradition in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

The length of time the science fair has been in March doesn’t prove March is the best month. If April works better with the current schedule, that’s a logical reason to consider changing. “We’ve always done it this way” isn’t a reason - it’s just a statement of history.

Second Example #

“My grandfather used this method to train dogs, and his father before him. It’s the traditional way, so it must be the right way.”

The Flaw #

Dog training methods have evolved significantly as we’ve learned more about animal behavior. Just because a method is old doesn’t mean it’s effective or humane. Each practice should be evaluated on its own merits, not its age.