Customs and traditions, while often serving as cultural anchors and sources of identity, can sometimes suppress reason and contribute to obscurantism. When adherence to age-old practices becomes unquestionable and resistant to scrutiny, it may hinder intellectual and societal progress. The rigid adherence to traditional norms can stifle critical thinking, discourage questioning, and perpetuate dogmas that are not necessarily aligned with rationality or contemporary knowledge. In such instances, individuals may be discouraged from challenging established customs, even when evidence and reason suggest the need for change. This suppression of reason, rooted in deep-seated traditions, can foster obscurantism, limiting the capacity for societies to adapt, grow, and embrace advancements that might otherwise enhance human flourishing. Striking a balance between preserving valuable cultural heritage and allowing for the evolution of thought is crucial to mitigating the potential negative impact of customs and traditions on reason.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2020
Salient features of Indian Society
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Try to start by defining customs and tradition and how both are interplay of each other.
- In Body,
- Elaborate those cases where tradition and customs have caused exploitation or above human values.
- Elaborate cases where tradition and customs have valued human rights and how they have been integral in involving human values.
- Conclude with the fact that customs and traditions are changing with time with some landmark judgments of Courts.
Answer
Introduction
Obscurantism is described as the practice of deliberately presenting information in an imprecise and complicated manner so that a smaller number of people understand and investigate further on the subject matter further. Customs are a traditional and widely accepted course to behave or do something that is clearly defined by a particular society, whereas traditions are about the transmission of these customs or beliefs from generation to generation.
Cases where blind following of tradition has caused exploitation
- Character Test: The Kanjarbhats are a denotified tribe that is governed by their own set of codified rules and a caste panchayat. As part of the Kanjarbhat caste tradition, a bride is subjected to a “character test” on the wedding night.
- The evil traditions of nikah halala and triple talaq propagated for so long in India despite the tradition being illogical and unreasonable, just because of obscurantism by the Muslim Personal Law Board.
- Customs like Sati and child marriage were perpetuated for a long because of obscurantism. The tradition of animal sacrifice in ceremonies is still practiced in many religions. The custom of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is still practiced by a few communities.
- “Values” are sometimes used to justify forced marriages in Afghanistan, virginity testing in Indonesia, “honor crimes” in Iraq, and marital rape in Kyrgyzstan, thus, violating human rights.
- For LGBT people, the language of traditional values tends to cast homosexuality as a moral issue, and not a rights issue.
- Caste discrimination is perpetuated even today in some places in the name of customs and purity.
- Religion against the Right to Equality like the Sabarimala case or Haji Ali Dargah, where women are strictly not allowed.
But some customs and traditions are aimed at maintaining social harmony, and well-being, like
Indian culture is dominating
Indian culture is dominating the whole world today because of its rich culture. When the whole world is reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic threat, western countries are adopting the Indian traditions which include many forms of greetings, and etiquette like washing hands and feet before entering the house.
Family life, and Values:
Prostating before parents and elders is an act of respect. Young people bow down and touch the feet of the elders, parents, and teachers. In turn, the elders give blessings by placing their hands on the heads of the young people.
Marriage:
The sanctity of marriage is prevalent in many cultures in India, the Institution of marriage is considered as pure and sanctum.
Community Value:
Respect for elders, and living in a community help maintain social harmony and the intermingling of many cultures.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, customs and traditions form an important part of human civilization and help people to align themselves in closely-knit bonds. Further, these customs and traditions are not cast in stone. By their very nature, they are supposed to evolve constantly and meet the changing requirements of time and social contexts. Humans have intrinsic rights to decide which customs and traditions to preserve revise or even discard. The discriminatory nature of traditions is questioned from time to time like in the Sabarimala case where the Supreme Court of India’s judgment greased the wheels of social integration and breathed life into feminist jurisprudence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do customs and traditions contribute to the suppression of reason and critical thinking?
Customs and traditions often dictate rigid norms and beliefs that discourage questioning or challenging established practices. This can hinder the development of rational thinking and intellectual curiosity, leading to a perpetuation of dogma and superstition.
2. Can adherence to cultural norms impede progress and innovation?
Yes, when customs and traditions prioritize conformity over innovation, individuals may be hesitant to explore new ideas or challenge existing practices. This can stifle creativity and hinder societal progress by discouraging the adoption of more rational and evidence-based approaches.
3. How do entrenched customs contribute to the perpetuation of obscurantism?
Customs that are deeply ingrained in a society can create a resistance to change and a fear of the unknown. This fear often leads to the rejection of new information or rational discourse, promoting obscurantism and impeding the advancement of knowledge and understanding.
4. In what ways do cultural traditions discourage dissent and alternative viewpoints?
Many customs and traditions emphasize social cohesion and conformity, making it challenging for individuals to express dissenting opinions or challenge prevailing beliefs. This aversion to dissent can lead to a closed-minded society that rejects reason and critical thinking.
5. How can the preservation of outdated customs contribute to a lack of scientific literacy?
When customs and traditions are prioritized over scientific knowledge, there is a risk of perpetuating misconceptions and pseudoscientific beliefs. This can result in a population that lacks the necessary scientific literacy to make informed decisions, further contributing to obscurantism and hindering societal advancement.
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