Do you really believe that some people are born without common sense?

Question

I hear people say all the time that someone they know just doesn't have common sense. I don't know if I really believe that, though. I once heard someone say that George Bush is our president; that's common sense. I remember thinking to myself that it's common knowledge, not common sense. Knowledge and sense are 2 different things. To me, common sense is the ability to use good, sound judgment in simple matters. Common sense tells you to put a hat on a baby's head when you're taking him out in cold weather; common sense doesn't tell you that George Bush is our president. Furthermore, many of us have knowledge that we don't use; and I think that goes for common sense as well. What do you think about that concept?

Answer 1

Common sense I do believe can have a little genetic background. Some people lack it because they're too occupied with useless knowledge (i.e. the professor who always losses his glasses), and others just don't have much intelligence. But, for the most part, common sense can be controlled by yourself; take your time when making judgements, and use resources (remembering similar situations, and the outcomes). That's my opinion.

Answer 2

First common sense have two meanings one is as you said is "sound judgment" and the other more literal is "what people in common would agree they "sense" as their common natural understanding".

Common knowledge and common sense are not the same thing. Common knowledge is about facts that are supposed to be known by everyone. Common sense is about making decisions that seem right and natural to us and others.

And yes I agree that there are people without common sense, and people that have it but sometimes decide not to use it.

Answer 3

Absolutely it's no different than saying someone is book smart vs street smart(meaning manipulative and grandiose). I'm not sure many that have their health are born without common sense ...some just spend more time living life than memorizing. Lack of common sense could result in a lack of social skills as well.

Answer 4

I think common sense is partly intelligence. However, I know people who are considered very intelligent, who have advanced degrees but, have no common sense. They seem to be in another world. Maybe they are so smart they are distracted by other thoughts. The old 'absent minded professor' theory. Then, sometimes I believe 'common sense' is another one of the senses, like sense of smell, etc. I'm not sure but, I'm puttin' my hat on if I go out today. It's damn cold out there! How 'bout you? :)

Answer 5

Nobody is born with common sense. Otherwise, the baby would know to put the hat on himself!

Answer 6

Sense is anything but common.

You are born as a clean slate (tabla rasa)

If you do not have genetic defects preventing the brain from functioning:

You learn from your environment and from your family coping mechanisms to deal with life.

Some of the coping mechanisms are flawed, in which case you end up having been married 3x in 3 years, bald, in rehab, and having your ex husband K-Fed looking like the sane one.

Answer 7

Yes I am one of them. I have a hard time with people and dont see things politically. I also share a common trait with most like people. My Logical IQ is over 140.

Answer 8

hey einsten
that was my first question on this thing ever
i was working it out still.
way to be a dick