Why Is Common Sense So Rare?

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and specialized knowledge, the concept of common sense seems to be a diminishing commodity. Common sense, often regarded as the basic level of practical knowledge and reasoning that should be common to all, is paradoxically becoming less common. This phenomenon can be traced to several intertwined factors that span the realms of psychology, societal evolution, and cognitive biases.

The Illusion of Expertise
One of the primary reasons common sense appears rare is the proliferation of specialized knowledge. In the past, people had to rely on a broad base of general knowledge to navigate daily life. However, modern society has become increasingly specialized. As professions and disciplines become more complex, individuals are required to focus deeply on narrow areas of expertise. This specialization creates an illusion that expertise in a particular field equates to overall intelligence or practical wisdom. As a result, people may overlook or undervalue common sense, assuming that more technical knowledge will suffice.

Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies
Cognitive biases play a significant role in undermining common sense. Human brains are wired with various biases that affect decision-making and perception. For example, the confirmation bias leads individuals to seek information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and ignore evidence that contradicts them. This bias can distort logical reasoning and result in poor decision-making. Additionally, the availability heuristic—where people rely on immediate examples that come to mind—can skew perception and lead to decisions that lack common sense.

Societal and Cultural Shifts
Cultural and societal shifts also contribute to the rarity of common sense. As societies evolve, traditional values and norms that once guided behavior are challenged or replaced by new ideologies. This rapid change can create a disconnect between established common sense practices and contemporary expectations. For instance, the increasing emphasis on individual rights and personal expression sometimes conflicts with shared social norms and common sense judgments.

Education and Critical Thinking
The role of education in shaping common sense cannot be overlooked. While modern education systems provide valuable knowledge, they often emphasize academic achievement over practical life skills. Critical thinking is a crucial component of common sense, yet many educational systems focus more on rote memorization than on teaching students how to apply knowledge in practical contexts. This gap can lead to a lack of practical reasoning skills and contribute to the perception that common sense is rare.

Technological Influences
Technology, while offering numerous benefits, also impacts common sense. The rise of digital platforms and social media has created an environment where misinformation can spread rapidly. This digital age has also fostered an environment where people may rely heavily on technology for answers rather than employing their own reasoning skills. Over-reliance on technology can erode practical problem-solving abilities and diminish the application of common sense.

Economic and Political Factors
Economic and political factors can also play a role in the perceived rarity of common sense. In times of economic hardship or political instability, people may prioritize survival and immediate concerns over rational decision-making. Political discourse often becomes polarized, with individuals and groups adhering to extreme positions that can overshadow moderate, common-sense perspectives. These dynamics can skew public perception and reduce the prevalence of practical reasoning.

The Role of Media and Information Overload
In the modern era, media saturation and information overload are significant contributors to the rarity of common sense. With the constant barrage of information from various sources, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant data becomes challenging. This information overload can lead to cognitive fatigue and decision-making paralysis. As a result, individuals may struggle to apply common sense principles effectively when overwhelmed by an excess of information.

Historical Perspective on Common Sense
Looking at historical perspectives, the notion of common sense has always been evolving. What was once considered common sense in one era may not hold the same value in another. Historical events and societal changes often shift the parameters of what is deemed sensible. This historical fluidity highlights that common sense is not a static concept but one that adapts to the changing contexts and norms of each era.

Improving Common Sense
To counteract the decline of common sense, individuals can focus on several strategies. Engaging in regular self-reflection and critical thinking exercises can help sharpen practical reasoning skills. Additionally, fostering open-mindedness and actively seeking diverse perspectives can broaden one’s understanding and application of common sense. Emphasizing practical problem-solving skills in education and daily life can also contribute to improving common sense.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the rarity of common sense in contemporary society is a multifaceted issue influenced by specialization, cognitive biases, societal shifts, educational practices, technological impacts, economic and political factors, media saturation, and historical changes. While common sense may seem elusive, understanding these underlying factors can provide insight into how to cultivate and preserve it in an increasingly complex world. By addressing these issues and promoting practical reasoning, individuals and societies can work towards a resurgence of common sense in daily life.