Social consensus precedes individual competence in judgment

Evidence

In matters of taste, similarly, we are dependent on fashion, that is, on the social dissemination of actions and judgments until, later on, we know enough to pass aesthetic judgment on the thing itself. Thus, too, the necessity for the individual to transcend himself and thereby to attain a solid, stable, supraindividual orientation in matters of law, knowledge, and morality is first manifest as the force of tradition. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 268

Categorization

• XREF: The child-believes-persons-not-things point connects to developmental psychology (trust-based epistemic learning) and to Simmel’s own account of fashion. — connects to: Functional differentiation frees individuals from role-dictated behavior — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 708; Social unity is felt through concrete relations rather than abstract awareness — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 169; Social rules require a reflective critical attitude toward uniform behavior standards — HLA Hart, The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law…, 236 (+8 more)

Related

• Modern society’s weak judgment makes fanatical conviction socially magnetic (similarity 0.83)

Broader Connections

• Logic tests the validity of propositions after value judgments drive decisions #corroborates (0.50) — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 95
• Social rules require a reflective critical attitude toward uniform behavior standards #contradicts (0.40) — HLA Hart, The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law…, 236