Why is common sense the ‘least’ common of the senses?

Descartes pointed out that common sense was the best distributed quality in the world; There was no person who did not have that judicious gift. The famous mathematician and philosopher understood that this dimension, beyond the idiosyncrasies of each one, allowed us all to be equally clear about what was correct, what was acceptable, and what bordered on irrationality.

HoweverAs Voltaire once pointed out, common sense is actually the least common of the senses. What does this mean? Basically, this unanimity is not always present or perceived when it comes to understanding what is logical or what is expected in each situation. In some way, each person integrates their own common sense into their being, which, sometimes, does not match what others have.

On the other hand, the most curious thing of all is that we would all be better off if we were able to apply this simplicity in terms of values ​​and principles of action, starting from a judicious and almost universal essence. However, sometimes, even knowing what would be the most acceptable in each situation, we do not apply it; either due to laziness, defiance, laziness or because our mind is busy in other complex universes.

Common sense tells us, for example, that we should lead a healthier life; However, we do not always put our health before immediate gratification. Common sense often whispers to us that that paper should go in the trash, that we should recycle more, that we should not read messages on our cell phones while driving or that we should share quality time with the people we love.

What do we mean when we talk about common sense?

Psychology tells us that common sense is the capacity for discernment that every person has (or should have). Thanks to this ability, one can make coherent decisions based on logic and reason. Now, Albert Einstein himself once pointed out that much of what we call common sense is nothing more than a set of prejudices that others instill in us.

Either way, This concept always seeks a purpose: the common good. This competence is intended to ensure that we all have a practical sense with which to facilitate coexistence, avoid hostile conflicts and act for the well-being of all. However, where does common sense come from? In most cases it starts not only from what others teach us or dictate to us, as Einstein would say.

In reality, it is largely based on our own experience; of what we have seen, felt and lived. Therefore, it is clear that each person has traveled their own paths and experienced events that do not always resemble those of the rest. Hence your common sense, what is logical for you, may not be logical for someone else.

Three ways of understanding common sense

Throughout our history, the concept of common sense has been approached from many different angles. Understanding each of them will undoubtedly help us to have a little more perspective:

Aristotle. For the Greek philosopher, common sense focused solely on our sensory experiences. In this way, all of us experience the same thing when we are faced with a stimulus (seeing a glass breaking, feeling the heat of the fire, the sound of the wind…). For him, common sense started from sensible objects, from what could be perceived through the senses.Rene Descartes. For the French mathematician and philosopher, it does not matter that each person comes from a different culture. All of us have a universal common sense, from which we judge and distinguish what is true from what is false, what is good from what is bad.The pragmatist philosophy. This approach that emerged in the 19th century gives us a more useful vision. According to this theoretical framework, common sense is based on the beliefs and experiences we have on a daily basis; That is, it basically starts from the context that surrounds us. And this, as expected, can vary depending on the weather and conditions we face.

What does psychology tell us about common sense?

Adrian Furnham, psychologist University College from London, wrote a very interesting book entitled All in the mind: the essence of psychology (nineteen ninety six). Furnham’s premises are categorical and warn us of the following: we should not take anything for granted: Sometimes what is considered common sense is pure nonsense.

What he tries to convey in his work is the need to always adopt a critical and realistic view of reality.. If we have to make decisions, it is best to analyze the context, the particularities of the case and what suits us or seems most appropriate, being judicious and reasonable. Letting ourselves be carried away by what is considered mere ‘common sense’ can lead us to more than one mistake.

Furnham is also an example in the other sense: she claimed that women were not intelligent enough to vote or that the best place for people with disabilities was to be confined in institutions. Therefore, common sense is not always well calibrated, it may be out of date or not adjust to our personal needs. Let’s also use it with some critical judgment and understanding that the common sense of others can offer different conclusions than ours simply by telling or evaluating the situation from another point of view.

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