Common sense is not always sensical ^54%

Common Sense is Not Always Sensical

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you thought you were being logical and practical, only to realize later that your approach was misguided? You're not alone. The concept of common sense is often touted as a guiding principle for decision-making, but the truth is, it's not always sensical.

What is Common Sense?

Common sense is often defined as the ability to think and behave in a normal, rational way, especially when faced with everyday problems or situations. However, this definition oversimplifies the complexities of human experience and decision-making.

The Problem with Common Sense

The issue with common sense is that it's not always based on empirical evidence or sound reasoning. Rather, it's often influenced by personal biases, cultural norms, and societal expectations. This can lead to a kind of groupthink, where people conform to the status quo without critically evaluating their assumptions.

When Common Sense Fails

There are many examples of when common sense has failed us:

• It led to the housing market bubble in 2008, as people assumed that housing prices would continue to rise indefinitely.
• It perpetuated racism and sexism for centuries, as people accepted discriminatory practices as normal.
• It contributed to climate change denial, as individuals believed that their individual actions couldn't make a difference.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

In order to make informed decisions, we need to move beyond common sense and engage in critical thinking. This involves analyzing information objectively, considering multiple perspectives, and evaluating evidence-based data.

Conclusion

Common sense is not always sensical because it's often influenced by personal biases and societal norms rather than empirical evidence or sound reasoning. By recognizing the limitations of common sense and engaging in critical thinking, we can make more informed decisions that lead to better outcomes. So next time you're faced with a problem or situation, take a step back and ask yourself: is my approach based on evidence or just common sense?