2007-01-16 08:53:08 · 13 answers · asked by Diesel Weasel 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Well, yes.
Common sense is variable over time. What was thought to be common sense is now thought to be arrant nonesense ("the world is flat", "the sun revolves around the earth" were all commonsense notions).
Why would you think that today's commonsense is any different?
I like to think of Commonsense, especially "Commonsense Realism" as at the other end of the scale to scepticism and very useful in the same way: not as philosophy in itself but as a good critique of any philosophy. Eg lets discuss how I "know" there is a pint of beer in front of me. Its good to have the skeptic screaming "prove it, prove it" in one ear - but its also good to have commonsense screaming "of course it's there" in the other. Both positions can help stop you mouthing complete absurdities.
2007-01-16 09:14:00 · answer #1 · answered by anthonypaullloyd 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Common sense is always based on an individual's knowledge and beliefs, therefore the adequacy of common sense varies from individual to individual. It is a helpful tool for us to deal with everyday activities, however, we should always keep an open mind and realize that a little more knowledge may change our point of view.
2007-01-16 17:10:10 · answer #2 · answered by Marilyn S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. Common sense is probably a loosely defined term for some, but whatever people define it as, it basically IS what should be adequate for a person to get by in the world. To me, common sense is one step above human instinct, or at least it should be.
2007-01-16 17:57:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The very notion of "common sense" has always seemed to me to be dangerously ambiguous. What is "common sense?" Is it instinct? Is it a well-honed intuitive faculty? In any case, in all the historical instances in which "common sense" is exalted as the superior and dependable mechanism for the attainment of truth and knowledge, it seems that it is elevated as such as a means to justify shirking difficult mental work. Rational deliberation and logical dialectic are unnecessary when one has "common sense" at his or her disposal. In response to your query, yes, this does seem hopelessly inadequate.
2007-01-16 17:25:52 · answer #4 · answered by attualista 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course, as a scientist I only pay attention to the evidence. Common sense is not common, or not all that often sense.
2007-01-16 17:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
we as humans should use the least common of our senses: the common sense.
A man can´t go living as he should w/o it.
2007-01-16 17:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by whothatBE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I believe fervently in common sense. It is a gift that no amount of education can train you for. Be grateful if you have it.
2007-01-16 23:05:49 · answer #7 · answered by concernedjean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No,common sense is actually quite comforting when you are indecisive or in doubt.
2007-01-17 03:25:05 · answer #8 · answered by Gone Hollywood 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
always some times i wonder if it even exists anymore
2007-01-16 17:04:44 · answer #9 · answered by shimbals 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only now... writing this reponse.
2007-01-16 16:57:49 · answer #10 · answered by Kermit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋