1. A Theory of Tradition? The Changing Presence of the Past
1. A Theory of Tradition? The Changing Presence of the Past
- H. Patrick GlennH. Patrick GlennPeter M Laing Professor of Law at McGill University, Montreal
Abstract
This chapter explores the possibility of a theory of tradition. It argues that that such as theory should not be thought of as a present, or perhaps even future, construction, but rather as a present device, or method, for thinking multiple traditions. It is a method for expanding knowledge and understanding, involving movement from within one tradition to within another, using all of the teaching of both (or all) of the traditions to facilitate this process. The discussions then turn to how traditions differ in their appreciation of time; tradition as information; the process of massaging a tradition; and tradition and corruption.
