Progress is Hindered by Tradition...

[Mattydv]

I am writing a speech for a debating round coming up this week with the topic being 'progress is hindered by tradition' and it really got me thinking. Through out the world, new ideas, new methods, new chances for new things, and even basic human rights are hindered by tradition. In the middle east, girls can't go to school through to a tradition of being not allowed due to an interpretation of the Karan (sp?), catholic priests are only male (perhaps increasing the chance of pedophilia or molestation of little boys), CEO's of top companies are male, and the amish, let's not even start there. It seems that traditions are there only to serve the conservative, as by definition, it does hinder progress. And although not all progress is good, it would appear that tradition, even in places like Wall Street or politics, are directly hindering, or even prohibiting progress.
So I ask, what's the point of traditions then?


(ps. if anyone can give me more examples where progress is hindered through tradition in the fields of economics, religion, law, sport and just in general it would be much appreciated.)

[Customjimmy]

A lot depends on your definitions of progress and tradition. If you talk about something like the liberalisation of the Catholic church, which many see as progressive, then the two are diametrically opposed with progressive policy being directly at the expense of the traditional.

In order for progress not to be hindered by tradition your definition of progress must be measured in a different currency to your definition of tradition. To keep the religious analogy rolling, buddhists seek to achieve an enlightened spiritual state (for them the ultimate progress) with strict adherence to traditional means.

My Sunday night $0.02

[leitch]

depending on your definitions, progress is the polar opposite of tradition, and thus can be rendered null and void by adherence to tradition.

[mike-]

depending on your definitions, progress is the polar opposite of tradition, and thus can be rendered null and void by adherence to tradition.

Large word overload, brain exploding.

[cressa]

depending on your definitions, progress is the polar opposite of tradition, and thus can be rendered null and void by adherence to tradition.

Progress can be made without being progressive in one's methodology.

But yes, the context of these words can differ.

If we are talking about, for example, the progression of multi-culturlism in our society, then i think achieving full understanding and appreciation of other cultures would be a progression that is hindered by traditional beliefs and learnings.

[leitch]

If we are talking about, for example, the progression of multi-culturlism in our society, then i think achieving full understanding and appreciation of other cultures would be a progression that is hindered by traditional beliefs and learnings.

or another example. adherence to traditional scientific principles values and beliefs will hinder progression in research methodology and also success.

[NCR600]

In an ideal world, tradition guides, and tempers unrestrained progress.

Progress for it's own sake is not necessarily a step forward.

Evolution, not revolution.

[leitch]

In an ideal world,

idealistic speculation is not always the best way of looking at things ;)
i do agree with you, though.. im just shit stirring...