K.+SAT+Essay

Common sense is an ability that one is expected to have in order to function in a society. Dictionary.com defines common sense as “ sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge,” which basically means knowledge that does not have to be trained. However, the nature of common sense is far more complex than a simple definition. This ability is very close to people, but where does it exactly come from? Or a more interesting question, should common sense always be trusted? Human history has proven that this basic human skill constantly goes through changes. Common sense should be trusted with caution because while it helps a society when it is assumed to be reliable, common sense can often be shown to be incorrect as science advances human understanding of the universe.

Common sense, or basic rationality, is very beneficial for a society’s functioning. This is because interaction between people can run much more easily when nearly everyone is assumed to have a basic understanding of how things work. For example, companies would have to spend much more time and money when communicating with their employees because every communication would involve much more explanation and detail. On a more individual basis, people can make decisions more efficiently when they have rational decision-making skills. For example, when driving, one can rationally assume (to a certain extent) that other cars will not behave chaotically and will generally follow the rules of the road. This allows drivers to make decisions like “go when green” or “I have enough distance to switch lanes” much more quickly. If a person did not have the common sense that other drivers will not go when they have red, then that person would not make the decision to go on green as easily. These things considered, a certain level of common sense allows a community to function properly and more effectively.

However, the evolution of human understanding about existence reveals how common sense can often be incorrect. Before modern science came along, people’s understanding of the physical universe was very mistaken. For example, common beliefs included: Earth was flat and the center of the universe, objects required physical contact to interact, and that heavier masses fell at faster rates. It is not difficult to comprehend why early mankind believed these things. For example, if one really thinks about it, it would make sense that heavier objects fell faster. In the past, people’s common sense led them to this conclusion. Nevertheless, after the scientific method was developed, humans had a more reliable process to test whether or not certain beliefs were true. For example, before Galileo, no one ever thought to simply conduct an experiment to see whether or not heavy objects fell more quickly. Instead, philosophers like Aristotle would simply reach conclusions through rational thinking. As evident in the power of science, common sense is not completely reliable because it can lead to false beliefs about the universe.

While the common sense of humans hundreds of years ago was obviously unreliable, can the same be said about common sense and rationality of people today? This is the very question that many scientists are working, while finding some very bizarre results. For example, people’s common sense today would lead them to believe that there is just one continuous universe that moves forward in time. And any person would be fair in holding this belief. However, physicists today support theories that there are alternate realities, which include parallel universes. These theories have actually been supported with experiments that have shown particles to be at two places at once! And even particles that spontaneously teleport from point A to point B! A person would rationally believe that something cannot be at two places at once, but science has proven otherwise. Recent discoveries ultimately show that even man’s basic understanding of existence, or in other words common sense, should be constantly questioned and revised.

It is easy to see how people in the middle ages were naïve in having the beliefs that they did. However, it is not so easy to accept this idea for people’s beliefs today. This is because the assumptions and rational conclusions that people make about the world around them have been developed and solidified throughout their lives, making it difficult to believe otherwise. While many common sense beliefs do have a purpose in making society function effectively, their validity is not necessarily certain. People should be open to beliefs that run counter to common sense, because truth does not necessarily have to make sense.