Arguments from Tradition

Description: This quiz evaluates your understanding of Arguments from Tradition, a type of philosophical argument that relies on the appeal to tradition, custom, or historical precedent to support a claim.
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: arguments from tradition philosophy of religion philosophy
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary basis of an Argument from Tradition?

  1. Personal Experience

  2. Scientific Evidence

  3. Historical Precedent

  4. Logical Reasoning


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition rely on the appeal to tradition, custom, or historical precedent to support a claim.

What is the underlying assumption of an Argument from Tradition?

  1. Tradition is always correct.

  2. Tradition is always relevant.

  3. Tradition is always reliable.

  4. Tradition is always authoritative.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition assume that tradition is authoritative and provides a valid basis for supporting a claim.

Which of the following is an example of an Argument from Tradition?

  1. The Bible is the infallible word of God.

  2. The scientific method is the best way to understand the natural world.

  3. Democracy is the best form of government.

  4. Custom dictates that we should respect our elders.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The statement "Custom dictates that we should respect our elders" is an example of an Argument from Tradition because it appeals to a traditional custom to support the claim that we should respect our elders.

What is one potential criticism of Arguments from Tradition?

  1. They rely on outdated information.

  2. They are not based on evidence.

  3. They can be used to justify harmful practices.

  4. They are too subjective.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition can be criticized for being used to justify harmful practices that are rooted in tradition, such as discrimination or oppression.

How can Arguments from Tradition be strengthened?

  1. By providing historical evidence to support the tradition.

  2. By showing that the tradition is consistent with other beliefs.

  3. By demonstrating that the tradition has positive consequences.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition can be strengthened by providing historical evidence to support the tradition, showing that it is consistent with other beliefs, and demonstrating that it has positive consequences.

What is the difference between an Argument from Tradition and an Argument from Authority?

  1. Arguments from Tradition appeal to historical precedent, while Arguments from Authority appeal to an expert or institution.

  2. Arguments from Tradition are always valid, while Arguments from Authority are not.

  3. Arguments from Tradition are more persuasive than Arguments from Authority.

  4. Arguments from Tradition are less subjective than Arguments from Authority.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition rely on the appeal to tradition, custom, or historical precedent to support a claim, while Arguments from Authority rely on the appeal to an expert or institution to support a claim.

Can Arguments from Tradition be used to support moral claims?

  1. Yes, because tradition often reflects shared moral values.

  2. No, because tradition can be arbitrary and subjective.

  3. It depends on the specific tradition and moral claim.

  4. Arguments from Tradition are never relevant to moral claims.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Whether or not Arguments from Tradition can be used to support moral claims depends on the specific tradition and moral claim in question. Some traditions may reflect shared moral values, while others may be arbitrary or subjective.

How do Arguments from Tradition relate to cultural relativism?

  1. Arguments from Tradition are always consistent with cultural relativism.

  2. Arguments from Tradition are always opposed to cultural relativism.

  3. Arguments from Tradition can be consistent with cultural relativism in some cases.

  4. Arguments from Tradition are irrelevant to cultural relativism.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition can be consistent with cultural relativism in cases where the tradition is specific to a particular culture and does not claim to be universally applicable.

What is the significance of Arguments from Tradition in religious contexts?

  1. They provide a basis for religious beliefs and practices.

  2. They are used to justify religious authority.

  3. They help to maintain religious unity and cohesion.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition play a significant role in religious contexts by providing a basis for religious beliefs and practices, justifying religious authority, and helping to maintain religious unity and cohesion.

How can Arguments from Tradition be used to support a political ideology?

  1. By appealing to historical precedents for a particular political system.

  2. By showing that a particular political ideology is consistent with traditional values.

  3. By demonstrating that a particular political ideology has positive consequences for society.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition can be used to support a political ideology by appealing to historical precedents for a particular political system, showing that it is consistent with traditional values, and demonstrating that it has positive consequences for society.

What are some potential problems with relying too heavily on Arguments from Tradition?

  1. Tradition can be outdated and irrelevant to current circumstances.

  2. Tradition can be used to justify harmful practices.

  3. Tradition can stifle innovation and progress.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Relying too heavily on Arguments from Tradition can lead to problems such as tradition being outdated and irrelevant to current circumstances, being used to justify harmful practices, and stifling innovation and progress.

How can Arguments from Tradition be balanced with other types of arguments, such as logical arguments or empirical evidence?

  1. By considering the strengths and weaknesses of each type of argument.

  2. By giving more weight to Arguments from Tradition.

  3. By giving more weight to logical arguments or empirical evidence.

  4. By ignoring Arguments from Tradition altogether.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

To balance Arguments from Tradition with other types of arguments, it is important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of argument and weigh them accordingly.

Can Arguments from Tradition be used to support new ideas or innovations?

  1. Yes, if the new idea or innovation is consistent with traditional values.

  2. No, because Arguments from Tradition are always based on the past.

  3. It depends on the specific new idea or innovation.

  4. Arguments from Tradition are irrelevant to new ideas or innovations.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arguments from Tradition can be used to support new ideas or innovations if the new idea or innovation is consistent with traditional values or can be seen as an extension of traditional practices.

What is the role of critical thinking in evaluating Arguments from Tradition?

  1. Critical thinking is essential for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of Arguments from Tradition.

  2. Critical thinking is not necessary when evaluating Arguments from Tradition.

  3. Critical thinking can be used to undermine Arguments from Tradition.

  4. Critical thinking is irrelevant to Arguments from Tradition.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Critical thinking is essential for evaluating Arguments from Tradition because it allows us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the argument, such as the relevance of the tradition, the consistency of the argument with other beliefs, and the potential consequences of accepting the argument.

- Hide questions