Subjectivity and social perspective in common sense reasoning

Common Sense

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines common sense as: "the unreflective opinions of ordinary people," and "sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment." While this definition is reflective of the nature of common sense, it does not begin to reveal the complexities of the subjectivity of the term, and the tendency to cite common sense as a justification for stereotypes, both of which reflect the social perspective of the speaker.

The greatest difficulty with an understanding of common sense is that the term is often highly subjective. One person's common sense is another person's falsehood or misleading statement. For example, a person who supports same sex marriage may argue that it is only 'common sense' that people should be allowed to marry whomever they want. However, a fundamentalist Christian may not be able to draw the same 'common sense' conclusion, because their religion opposes same sex unions.

Further, common sense can often be cited as a justification to couch reflexive stereotypes, rather than to reveal the complexity of an issue. For example, it is often said that it is only 'common sense' that women are better caregivers for children than men, as they have a maternal instinct. However, this is a too simplistic statement that seems to disregard the abilities of many men to care for children, and women who lack basic parenting skills.