Does tradition provide justification?

Question

If an act has been done, or was done, for a long period of time by many people, does that justify the act?

Answer 1

Tradition is a useful tool that is meant as an expedient of teaching. Any tradition that falls short of that, however, is antithetical to it's purpose. Tradition that restricts knowledge is worse than useless.

Answer 2

Tradition at best provides the experience to make better judgement, it cannot provide justification. Many actions that are wrong and unjustifiable are found within any and every tradition. It is only by careful examination of tradition that we can come to justification, an individual and responsible sense of right and wrong. I am a Catholic, operating by the Vincentian canon, Quod semper, Ubique, et Ab Omnes, but I also hold to a reformed version of that, a three-legged stool of Tradition, Scripture, and Reason. It's not a matter of what works, slavery worked, a tradition that survived for centuries. Abraham left his father's home in Padan Aram after having smashed all the idols that were there. The Qu'ran says Muhammed did the same thing in the Kaaba at Mecca. Did tradition justify him? I hardly think so. Scripture says he was justified by faith, a relationship far more open-ended. We don't have all the answers, only God does.

Answer 3

One of the most prevalent and oldest traditions is abandoning traditions. Think about it. Every current 'tradition' was created by someone who started doing something new because what was being done before it was no longer appropriate or no longer made sense.

So it's likely that the person who started whatever tradition you now follow was a bit of a rebel since they were rejecting the traditions that came before them and they would probably be disappointed in you for continuing to follow it.

Answer 4

No, slavery was done for a long time (most of history), by many cultures, but it does not justify it. The same could be said for human sacrifice or monogamous marriages.

Answer 5

Of course not, human sacrifice was done for a long time..but throwing babies into a fire always was and will be wrong. Man has been bigoted, and evil since the beginning of time. It doesn't make it right.

Answer 6

No. Often a tradition is just an excuse not to move forward towards something better.

Answer 7

Not in itself- however- usually if something has been done forever- theres USUALLY- not always- Good reason- and should be considered that just because we dont know what that it- doesnt mean it doesnt exist- but it could be as simple as running out of wood!
Yea that didnt make sense- private joke. But you understand.

Answer 8

Tradition is irrelevant... the deeds are either for the good of others or not, and then intent falls right along w/ it. Justification is intent, and again, either it's virtuous or not.

_()_

Answer 9

Hanging people for witchcraft was a traditional practice once.

Answer 10

no only the evidence that it works justifies an act