The objection that a child "needs a mother and a father" is an Appeal to Tradition and an Appeal to Nature, and it proves too much: it would also disqualify single parents, widowed parents, and the many children raised successfully by gran…

Gay Marriage

The arguments against same-sex marriage were, in retrospect, remarkably weak. That marriage has "always" been between a man and a woman is an Appeal to Tradition (and false: polygamy has been far more common historically than monogamy). Th…

UK Monarchy

Hereditary principle. No one would propose today that the job of head of state should pass from parent to child regardless of ability, character, or the wishes of the public. The only argument for it is that it is already the case, which i…

Appeal to Nature

Appeal to Tradition

Chesterton's Fence

It is not an Appeal to Tradition: the fence may still come down once its purpose is known and found wanting. The principle asks only that the purpose be known first. Most of my positions on institutions (UK Monarchy, Religious Education, H…