Trust Tradition
Mon, Mar 14
In this class, we will consider whether some important philosophical truths are best learned through observing tradition, trusting authorities, and cultivating a more deferential kind of intellectual humility.
By the end of class, you will:
- Understand how cultural evolution selects for successful practices
- Understand why the functions of traditions are usually opaque to their practitioners
- Explain why a reflective attitude toward tradition can undermine its function
Read This:
PHILOSOPHICAL TEXT:
Henrich's The Secret of our Success: Trust Tradition
APPLICATION ARTICLE (Access on "Perusall" via Canvas):
Book Review: Seeing Like a State (Slate Star Codex)
Do This:
Complete these steps before you come to class
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Consider the following prompts (you may want to write responses to these in your journal or talk about them with a friend):
- Do you think traditions can persist even if they are not successful?
- Given Henrich's justification for tradition, do you think we are ever in a position to reform traditions?
After you've finished today's reading, make sure you complete the reading quiz, which you can access through your section's Canvas page.