Ad Antiquitatem
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[edit] Description
Argumentum ad antiquitatem, also known as proof from tradition, appeal to common practice, appeal to tradition, or false induction, is a fallacy used to judge an act based entirely on its (what was then) accepted part of tradition, and not the actual implications thereof. It is often very effective, because it can be cleverly disguised as inference of context. It is, however, an abject fallacy, since traditions have often included witch burnings and human sacrifices - and they are clearly not defendable on mere "context".
[edit] Formula
- X commits Y
- At the time in which X was based, Y was a traditionally acceptable act
- It was therefore acceptable of X to have commited Y
[edit] Examples of Ad antiquitatem
This is often used by Muslims in defence of Muhammad's immorality, in particular his pedophilia. Muslims assert that it was acceptable at the time, which, even if it were to be true (which it is not), would be a severely illogical defence, since Muhammad is said to be a paragon for all time, he is known as the Uswa Hasana (perfect human). He was also said to have ended other immoral "traditions" (such as infaniticide of unwanted girls), so it raises the questions as to why he would commit an equally deplorable act, rather than preach against it.
A tradition is not innerant. They are often far from it, as traditions are often based on superstitions and primitivity of earlier cultures, so to grant them moral immunity in such a way is clearly fallacious.
