Common sense

Definition

Common sense refers to the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that is generally shared by people and considered to be sound reasoning in everyday situations. It is connected to how we interpret our sensations, perceptions, and cognitive processes, guiding us in making decisions that seem obvious or self-evident based on our experiences and societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common sense allows individuals to navigate daily life by relying on shared knowledge and experiences that don't require specialized training or education.
2. It often serves as a guide for behavior and social interactions, helping individuals make quick judgments about right and wrong in familiar situations.
3. Philosophically, common sense has been debated as both an intuitive understanding of the world and as a potential source of error when it contradicts scientific reasoning.
4. In psychology, common sense can influence cognitive biases, leading individuals to make assumptions based on what seems obvious rather than relying on empirical evidence.
5. Different cultures may have varying notions of common sense, reflecting the influence of societal norms and values on individual reasoning.

Review Questions

• How does common sense influence perception and decision-making in everyday life?
  • Common sense plays a critical role in shaping our perceptions and guiding our decision-making processes. It provides a framework for interpreting sensory information and evaluating situations based on widely accepted beliefs. This intuitive understanding allows individuals to quickly assess circumstances and make choices without needing extensive analysis, often leading to efficient resolutions in everyday interactions.
• Discuss the potential limitations of relying solely on common sense in cognitive processes.
  • While common sense can be beneficial for quick judgments and practical reasoning, it also has limitations. Relying solely on common sense may lead to cognitive biases or errors in judgment, especially when faced with complex problems or situations that deviate from familiar patterns. Additionally, what is considered common sense can vary across cultures, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts when people with different backgrounds interact.
• Evaluate the relationship between common sense and scientific reasoning in understanding human cognition.
  • The relationship between common sense and scientific reasoning is intricate; while common sense provides immediate insights into daily life, it may clash with scientific findings that reveal deeper truths. Scientific reasoning relies on systematic observation and empirical evidence, challenging assumptions rooted in common sense. Evaluating this relationship highlights the importance of integrating both perspectives—using common sense for practical situations while employing scientific reasoning for a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes.

Related terms

Sensation:

The process of sensing our environment through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, which forms the basis for our perceptions.

Perception: The way we interpret and understand sensory information, forming our view of reality and influencing how we react to various situations.

Cognition: The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding, including thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.