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Politicians love talking about 'common sense' because it's a convenient way to shut down doubts & questions.
The greater the attempts to prohibit questions around a claim by appealing to 'common sense', the more suspicious we should all be about the claim itself.
Politicians love talking about 'common sense' because it's a convenient way to shut down doubts & questions.
The greater the attempts to prohibit questions around a claim by appealing to 'common sense', the more suspicious we should all be about the claim itself.
https://twitter.com/docrussjackson/status/1587509023942840322
Politicians love to talk about the benefits of “common sense” – often by pitting it against the words of “experts and elites”. But what is common sense? Why do politicians love it so much? And is there any evidence that it ever trumps expertise? (No).
theconversation.com/politicians-lo…
theconversation.com/politicians-lo…
We often view common sense as an authority of collective knowledge that is universal & constant, unlike expertise. By appealing to the common sense of your audience, you position yourself as on their side, & against the side of the “experts”. This argument is full of holes.
Experts have gained knowledge and experience in a given speciality. This means politicians are experts as well.
This means a false dichotomy is created between the “them” (let’s say scientific experts) and “us” (non-expert mouthpieces of the people).
This means a false dichotomy is created between the “them” (let’s say scientific experts) and “us” (non-expert mouthpieces of the people).
Common sense is broadly defined in research as a shared set of beliefs and approaches to thinking about the world.
For example, common sense is often used to justify that what we believe is right or wrong, without having to bother about coming up with any evidence.
For example, common sense is often used to justify that what we believe is right or wrong, without having to bother about coming up with any evidence.
But common sense isn’t independent of scientific and technological discoveries. Common sense versus scientific beliefs is therefore also a false dichotomy.
Our “common” beliefs are informed by, and inform, scientific and technological discoveries.
Our “common” beliefs are informed by, and inform, scientific and technological discoveries.
This last few years have seen a significant rise in polarisation & in conspiracy theories too. For most people, it's just 'common sense' that vaccines are relatively safe & effective. For others, their 'common sense' tells them it's a WEF/Big Pharma/Communist plot to kill people.
It's similar with climate change. On one hand, the scientific evidence is overwhelming, & it is now 'common sense' that we need to do more to tackle the #ClimateCrisis.
But for some others, it's 'common sense' that the weather has always changed & we shouldn't be too concerned.
But for some others, it's 'common sense' that the weather has always changed & we shouldn't be too concerned.
Immigration is another example: some insist it's 'common sense' that immigration puts pressure on public services & housing. While for others, it's 'common sense' that immigration brings huge social & economic benefits, & without immigration our public services wouldn't function.
But politicians & news headlines use 'common sense' to stop claims from being exposed to scrutiny, effectively protecting their claims from reason.
If we can’t ask questions, we can’t learn. And if we can’t learn, we can’t improve. That goes for individuals & society as a whole.
If we can’t ask questions, we can’t learn. And if we can’t learn, we can’t improve. That goes for individuals & society as a whole.
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