Argument from Age
The misconception that previous generations had superior wisdom, leading to acceptance of aged ideas without critical evaluation.
THE IDEA
Argument from Age
(also known as: wisdom of the ancients)
Description: The misconception that previous generations had superior wisdom to modern man, thus conclusions that rely on this wisdom are seen accepted as true or more true than they actually are.
Logical Form:
- Premise 1: [Statement] is old.
- Premise 2: Old things are wise.
- Conclusion: Therefore, [Statement] is true.
Example #1:
"As the ancient proverb says, 'A rolling stone gathers no moss,' so you shouldn't change jobs too often."
Explanation: There are many sayings today that are just as ambiguous, obscure, and non-sensical as the ones carved in stone 1500 years ago – the difference is perception. Especially with “aged wisdom”, we tend to read in meaning to ambiguity where none exists or where the author’s intended meaning is impossible to know.
Example #2:
"The Bible says 'Spare the rod, spoil the child,' so corporal punishment is necessary for discipline."
Explanation: While it might be true that the Bible contains much great wisdom, if one were to examine all the “wisdom” contained in the book, and not selectively choose from passages, then objectively compare this wisdom to any modern collection of wisdom, one would judge the wisdom on its own merits, without the source bias.
Exception: Age can be relevant when evidence links it to the particular claim. The example “Wine tastes better with age” would need to specify which wine and aging conditions; age alone does not establish the claim.
Tip: Remember that even ancient Greeks said stupid things.
When to use it
Evaluating proverbs or folk wisdom in decision-making.
In academic contexts, questioning the authority of classical texts.
In marketing, when products claim 'ancient secrets' or 'time-honored traditions'.
When assessing political or social arguments that rely on 'the way things have always been done'.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Ancient Sayings
Many sayings today are just as ambiguous as those from 1500 years ago – the difference is perception. We read meaning into aged ambiguity.
Biblical Wisdom
While the Bible contains wisdom, one should judge it objectively without source bias.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When has an 'ancient wisdom' saying influenced your decision without evidence?
How can you determine if the age of a claim makes it more or less credible?
Why might older ideas be given undue weight in modern discourse?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies