Final answer:
Bryant defines the traditionalist position as one that seeks to maintain longstanding social norms and moral standards, often through governmental measures. Traditionalists argue that such practices like prayer in school and restrictions on behavior are necessary to preserve a moral and orderly society, and they may cite natural law or community standards in their defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand how Bryant defines and defends the traditionalist position, we need to look at various thematic points. Traditionalists typically champion the preservation of longstanding societal norms and moral standards, often advocating for governmental measures that uphold these traditions. They often articulate their stance on values such as family, religion, and national history, citing these as core elements of their cultural identity that should be protected and fostered by the state.
In the case of abortion, traditionalists generally present their argument as a defense of life, which they argue is valued in their cultural or religious traditions. Issues like prayer in school, bans on alcohol consumption, and legislation affecting civil rights for certain groups often arise from the traditionalist viewpoint that such laws are necessary to maintain a moral and orderly society. The defense of such positions typically involves appeals to natural law, community standards, or a belief in certain values perceived to be under threat by modern or liberal ideologies.
When deliberating on the opposition between personal freedom and social order, traditionalists often uphold the latter, stressing the importance of governance that steers citizens towards what they consider to be moral behavior. This might include advocating for laws that regulate behaviors which they believe compromise the fabric of society, even if those behaviors are personal or private in nature. Traditionalists differ from libertarians on such issues, with the former favoring a more regulatory approach as opposed to the libertarian emphasis on individual autonomy and privacy.