Abstract

Starting with Popper, social theorists across the board have acknowledged that
traditions serve socially valuable functions. However, while traditions are usually
understood as ‘living’ entities that come in overlapping varieties and evolve over time,
the socially valuable functions attributed to tradition tend to presuppose invariability in
ways of thinking and acting. Addressing this tension, this article provides a detailed
analysis of the concept of tradition, and directs special attention to conceivable criteria
for the authentic continuation of a tradition. It is argued that the ways of thinking and
acting that constitute the material of a tradition must – among faithful members of that
tradition – stand in a relation of equivalence – not identity or similarity. The implications
of this account concern our ability to decide (normatively) conflicts over authenticity
among rival tradition branches as well as the role that traditions play in policy-making.