Reason over Tradition in Enlightenment Era

Question 1

I partially agree that people should abandon custom and tradition as a means of living strictly by reason or science. Arguments made by Voltaire and Diderot on rejecting traditional practices were directed towards the political and religious practices by which the people during the Enlightenment era were experiencing. On this note, I believe that people should place reason as a characteristic measure of directing their lives. For instance, discrimination of a community based on their religious beliefs should not be practiced based on reasonable views that such an action is immoral and unnecessary. However, tradition and custom can serve as a source of identity and failure to observe the same may lead to a meaningless and isolating life that lacks all the things that matter in human life. 

Question 2

I believe that traditions and customs are foundations for directing the individual in future behavior on what is right from what is wrong. However, it is indeed possible for an individual to abandon the customs and traditions of a society to lead a life of reason. The American history is an excellent example of such a practice where in the mid 19th century slavery was abolished despite being the tradition. Although there were conflicting views on the issue, the custom would be abandoned and more positive values on freedom, integrity, and goodness would be brought up and enforced in the society. Reason is an effective tool of depicting the error in the practices of an individual. 

Question 3

In the modern US society, most of the people are more reliant upon traditional views than reason. In this case, the events that have taken place over the years have prompted many to revert to customs that were destructive and self-centered. The American people feel that the Second Amendment should only be considered as a right that the people have the opportunity to own weapons to protect themselves and their property. However many fail to consider the effect of having excessive guns in the community has led to numerous cases of gun violence and deaths of young people.