Abstract

This concise little book on tradition says a lot in a few pages. The breadth and depth of Pieper’s philosophical and theological knowledge show through at every step, though the strictly methodical and economical treatment of his theme ensures that the structure of his argument is never obscured by an avalanche of unnecessary detail. Beginning with an analysis of what tradition means in ordinary speech, Pieper carefully works towards a definition of the term. He limits his study to the kind of tradition that means, in general terms at first, the handing on of a doctrine. By comparing tradition with discussion, teaching and learning, informing and receiving information, Pieper is able to clarify his definition and establish the role that faith plays in tradition. Next he takes pains to show in what way the handing on and receiving of a doctrine down through the ages differs from progress in any given branch of learning.