What is it?

Also known as an appeal to tradition, this fallacy romanticizes the past and argues that things were better 'back in the day'. It assumes that traditional ways of doing things are inherently better than new ones, without evidence.

Examples

How to Avoid This

Be critical of nostalgic claims. The past was not perfect, and new ways of doing things can be better. Evaluate traditions on their merits, not just their age.

How to Counter This

Challenge the idealized view of the past. 'Was everything really better back then? What about [mention a negative aspect of the past]?' You can also point out the benefits of modern approaches.