Commonsense

Commonsense refers to the set of beliefs or propositions that most people consider prudent and sound without reliance on specialized knowledge, research, or detailed reasoning. It encompasses the basic level of practical knowledge and reasoning concerning everyday situations which is shared by a large group of people, often within a given community or culture.

Definition and Scope

Commonsense is a broad concept that is often used to denote ideas or approaches that are generally accepted as true or appropriate without requiring deep intellectual effort or inquiry. It is considered intuitive knowledge that does not need to be questioned or debated extensively. Commonsense includes the basic knowledge required to function in everyday life, such as understanding that objects fall if dropped, recognizing the need to look both ways before crossing the street, and expecting day and night to follow each other.

Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophers have debated the nature and reliability of commonsense for centuries. René Descartes famously questioned every belief that could be doubted, aiming to leave only what could be known with absolute certainty. In contrast, Thomas Reid and the Scottish Common Sense School argued that commonsense beliefs form the foundation of all human knowledge and should be accepted unless there are strong reasons for questioning them.

Commonsense in Psychology

In psychology, commonsense refers to the mental ability to make sound judgments based on simple perception of the situation or facts. It is often linked to the concept of "street smarts" or practical intelligence, which contrasts with more formal kinds of intelligence measured by IQ tests.

Role in Artificial Intelligence

In the field of artificial intelligence (AI), commonsense reasoning is a significant area of research. It involves enabling AI systems to make decisions and solve problems in ways that are similar to human thinking. The challenge lies in programming machines to understand and apply commonsense knowledge about the physical and social world.

Cultural Variations

What is considered commonsense can vary widely between different cultures or societies. Beliefs and practices that are commonsense in one culture may be unusual or illogical in another. This cultural variation highlights that commonsense is often based on local norms and experiences rather than universal truths.

Criticism

Critics argue that relying solely on commonsense can be misleading because it is based on generalizations that may not hold in specific cases. Furthermore, commonsense can perpetuate outdated or biased beliefs and hinder scientific progress and critical thinking.

Conclusion

Commonsense plays a crucial role in daily decision-making and social interactions. While it is a valuable form of practical wisdom, it is important to recognize its limitations and the context in which it operates. Balancing commonsense with critical thinking and specialized knowledge can lead to more informed and effective decisions.