fallacy

Appeal to tradition

Also called: Argumentum ad antiquitatem, Appeal to common practice

An appeal to tradition argues that something is right because it has always been done that way.

How it works

Long practice can reflect accumulated wisdom, but it can also preserve mistakes and outdated conditions. Age alone does not show that the reasons still apply.

Examples

"We've always hired this way, so there's no need to change."

Whether the process is fair or effective needs its own evidence.

"Our grandparents ate like this, so it must be healthy."

Diets and lifespans have changed; tradition does not show health effects.

How to spot it

"It's always been done this way."
Age or custom is the main reason given.
No discussion of whether conditions have changed.

How to respond

Ask what purpose the tradition served and whether it still does.
Consider evidence for the alternatives.
Respect tradition as a reason to be careful, not as proof.