Trust Tradition
Mon, Oct 03
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.
We have three main learning goals for this day. 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:
Prof. Blaschko's students should read this: Henrich's The Secret of our Success: Trust Tradition
Prof. Christy's students should read and annotate this same text via Perusall.
Do This:
Prof. Blaschko's students: Read and annotate the short "Application Article" on Perusall.
Prof. Christy's students: Read the short "Application Article" on Perusall.
All students:
- Make sure you've completed the "How We Argue" (ThinkerAnalytix) course up through lesson 9 by today's class.
- After you've finished today's reading, make sure you complete the reading quiz, which you can access through your section's Canvas page.