Tradition, transmission, transformation

Abstract

Tradition can be understood as a universal device and as a particular expression

within a community. Tradition-as-device operates on cultural knowledge as a transmission

unit. Communities are partially composed by tradition-as-particularisation instantiated

through its elements (ideas and practices). The dynamics of knowledge and transmission are

investigated for effects on tradition change (i.e. modification to traditions-as-

particularisations’ elements). Through schema theory and prototype theory, knowledge

appears as interconnected, interactive with experience, malleable, recursive. Knowledge

stems from conception and perception’s interaction. We can receive second-hand experience

allowing for tradition-as-device. Tradition-as-device interacts with the lifeworld and fosters

common ground by inaugurating primes (web of axioms) through rituals. Adherence displays

degree-ness and equivocates to differing participation with elements and strength of primes

for reasoning. Knowledge’s organisation reconfigures. Common grounds continuously

establish and evaluate overlap in conception/perception between individuals. Schemas regulate

information reception. Knowledge’s organisation reconfigures. Traditions-as-

particularisations interact within multitradition adherents. Memory restructures knowledge in

accordance to changing valence engendering transformation. Connectivity increases

retention. Usage of knowledge affects memorisation. Communication’s intimating function

permits introjections. Innovations/introduction affect tradition because of knowledge

interconnectivity. Adherents reconceptualise themselves and their traditions-as-

particularisations continuously in reaction to experience and environment. Tradition

adherents conceive of heightened similarity as sameness allowing room for slow

unrecognised mutation of information through progressive retransmission. Iterability captures

variation within identity in continuity. Cumulative alteration leads to information loss.

Information loss results in tradition-as-particularisation change.