Appeal to Tradition
Treating something as correct simply because it's how things have always been done.
- informal
An appeal to tradition (argumentum ad antiquitatem) takes the age or longevity of a practice or belief as evidence that it is right, good, or true. But longevity alone proves nothing: traditions can be mistaken, outdated, or harmful, and “we've always done it this way” is not a reason that the way is correct.
Examples
- “We've always hired through personal referrals, so there's no reason to start posting jobs publicly.”
- “People have used these home remedies for generations, so they must work.”
Why it works & how to counter
Persuasive because tradition feels tested and trustworthy. Counter it by asking whether the practice actually works on its own merits today — not just whether it's old.