rationality of tradition

Description

Context and Statement of the Problem The central question that motivates this work is this: If there are no neutral standards of judgement, choice and rational inquiry, and if all standards are embedded in their relevant traditions, then won't such standards be relative to their traditions and thus cut at the very roots of objectivity of knowledge? Further, if there is multiplicity of traditions, how is one to go about evaluating diverse and competing traditions and rationally supporting one's judgement and choice of one tradition over the others? Let me begin with a preliminary, working understanding of the concept of rationality. The word srationality is derived from Latin rationalitas, i.e. reasonableness. The dictionary records, amongst others, the following meanings: sRationality means "the quality of possessing reason; the power of being able to exercise one's reason." 1 With this meaning, 'rationality' is the intrinsical part of man. It is the distinction of man when compared with the other animals. It is in this sense that man is said to be rational animal.2 Alternatively, rationality is regarded as "the fact of being based on, or agreeable.