Common sense does not exist. And, despite this, it is used in all types of situations and is talked about almost as if it were something physical, tangible. Although, in reality, it is a completely abstract term. What is common sense? It could be defined as the ability to assess situations, which may be encountered during everyday life, and make wise decisions accordingly. That is, it consists of being prudent when acting rationally in the face of certain events. A conception similar to the idea of “doing well,” which is assumed to be shared by all individuals in a society. As a joint and unwritten agreement. And while this is the image we have of common sense, it is nothing more than an illusion.
The study carried out by the University of Pennsylvania, in the United States, is categorical regarding the results obtained from its research on individual and collective common sense. And this one does not exist. At least, not in its conception of being something global and solid, shared by an entire society. It consists of something more complex and depends a lot on the point of view of each individual personally.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania subjected a sample of 2,000 people to an extensive questionnaire, in which they had to evaluate a total of 4,400 statements. In order to determine common points and if what is considered common sense that makes up a society actually exists. However, the results obtained make clear the nature of the aspects on which there is common agreement and those on which they do not.
The team of specialists was able to observe that statements that had to do with aspects linked to fact, that is, such as the fact that sunrises and sunsets occur every day, were shared much more frequently among the participants. That is, those related to people's knowledge and knowledge. Something similar happened with another series of aspects that are linked to the experiences of each individual.
However, the focus of disagreements fell on what is usually precisely the core of the concept of what is popularly considered “common sense”, that is, statements related to morality or related to the correct way to respond or act towards certain situations. Something that had less to do with parameters such as age or gender, according to experts, and more to do with other types of factors, for example, social perception.
“Collective common sense is rare,” according to this study from the University of Pennsylvania. In fact, they conclude that only a small fraction, at most, of people agree on a minimal set of statements.
