What is an example of an argumentum ad antiquitatem?

Prepare for the AICE Critical Thinking Skills Exam with this comprehensive quiz. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to boost your exam scores!

An argumentum ad antiquitatem, also known as an appeal to tradition, occurs when something is considered valid or better simply because it has a long-standing history or tradition. By continuing a practice solely because it is traditional, the reasoning relies on the idea that the past serves as justification for the present. This form of reasoning does not necessarily engage with the merits or effectiveness of the practice itself; rather, it assumes that longstanding traditions are inherently valuable or correct.

In this case, by choosing an option that reflects adherence to tradition without examining its current relevance or effectiveness, it illustrates the core characteristic of the argumentum ad antiquitatem.

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