Common sense

Common sense is a term used to denote a set of beliefs or propositions that most people consider prudent and sound, without reliance on esoteric knowledge, study, or research. It is also the capacity to judge or decide by using such a set of beliefs or propositions.

Definition

Common sense is a basic ability to perceive, understand, and judge things, which is shared by ("common to") nearly all people and can reasonably be expected of nearly all people without any need for debate. The everyday understanding of what common sense is derives from historical and philosophical discussion involving several European languages.

History

The term "common sense" (Latin: sensus communis) has been used since the Middle Ages in various languages from Latin and French to English and German, to denote this type of basic awareness and ability. The concept evolved over centuries, culminating in the 18th-century Scottish School of Common Sense.

In Medicine

In medicine, common sense often refers to the sound judgment used in decision-making processes by health care providers. It is often used in conjunction with evidence-based medicine, where the health care provider uses both their common sense and scientific evidence to determine the best course of action.

Criticism

Despite its wide usage, the concept of common sense has been criticized by philosophers such as Descartes and Nietzsche. They argue that what is considered common sense often leads to errors in judgment, as it is based on individual experiences and cultural biases, rather than objective facts or logic.

See also

• Critical thinking
• Intuition
• Practical judgment
• Rationality
• Reason