Do Customs and Traditions Suppress Reason? A Critical Analysis of Obscurantism in Society
Introduction Customs and traditions form the cultural backbone of societies. They transmit values, norms, collective memories, and social practices across generations, giving people a sense of identity and continuity. However, critics argue that unquestioned adherence to customs and traditions can suppress rational thinking and encourage obscurantism—defined as resistance to intellectual enlightenment, scientific reasoning, and social…