ABSTRACT
A traditionalist is not therefore committed to an absolute acceptance of constituted authority, whatever it does. Given the customary rule, it is still possible to discuss how it is to apply. Burke could defend the Revolution of 1688 as necessary to preserve the traditional constitution of England from subversion by James II. To force a king to flee, to declare that he has abdicated, and then to invite a foreign prince to succeed him-this may not be according to the letter of customary obligation (and certainly not of legal obligation), but in unusual circumstances it may yet be consistent with the spirit of the tradition. Traditionalism understood thus broadly offers no unequivocal prescriptions for particular situations. It is certainly not a die-hard attitude, as Burke's Speech on Economical Reform eloquently testifies. It leaves considerable latitude for differences of opinion, and for discussion in the light of particular circumstances. On the other hand, it places limits on discussion, for it admits only those arguments that can be expressed in * Cf. Spinoza: Tractatus-Politicus, Introduction, Section 6: 'In fact it makes no difference to the stability of a state what motive leads men to conduct its affairs properly, provided they are conducted properly.'
