Common Sense and Education: Beyond Personal Perception

Common sense is often touted as a cornerstone of personal judgment and practical wisdom. However, its reliance on perceived 'obviousness' and personal experience makes it inherently unreliable when it comes to education and knowledge acquisition. This article explores the reasons behind why common sense cannot be equated with a proper education and how scientific methods offer a more robust approach to understanding our world.

Unreliable Relyance on Personal Experience

Common sense is deeply rooted in our personal experiences and perceptions. While it is undoubtedly valuable in many aspects of daily life, it often lacks the critical elements of evidence and reasoning required for a well-rounded education. For instance, common sense might suggest that the Earth is flat because that’s how it appears without scientific investigation. Similarly, it might imply that the world was designed, hence there must have been a designer, based on the complexity of living organisms. These beliefs, while comforting and intuitive, are not necessarily supported by evidence or rigorous reasoning.

The Eris of Common Sense

The fallacy in relying heavily on common sense lies in its susceptibility to error. Just as the scientific community once believed the Earth to be flat because such an idea seemed 'common sense,' it can similarly be deceived by other fallible perceptions. Even within the realm of science, initially, relativity theories by Einstein were met with resistance because they defied what was considered common sense. Theories suggesting that time and space are relative and that moving clocks run slower were initially seen as just unusual ideas, not truths.

Einstein's Insight on Common Sense

Albert Einstein famously remarked, “Common sense is nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down by the mind before you reach eighteen.” This quote encapsulates the notion that much of what we consider common sense is merely a collection of preconceived notions, formed during our formative years, rather than well-founded knowledge. It highlights the importance of questioning and challenging our perceptions, especially when they seem to contradict established scientific truths.

Scientific Methods vs. Common Sense

Scientific methods have been developed precisely to combat the errors inherent in common sense reasoning. These methods are designed to test hypotheses, collect data, and use logic and evidence to arrive at conclusions. For instance, the development of the global positioning system (GPS) is a prime example of how scientific methods have outperformed common sense. Initially, Einstein's theories of relativity seemed far-fetched and abstract, almost as if they belonged more in the realm of science fiction than real physics. However, they were later verified by precise scientific observations, leading to the creation of GPS technology that we rely on daily.

From Fiction to Reality

The transition from the impractical idea of relativity to its concrete application in GPS illustrates the necessity of scientific methods over common sense. Einstein’s theories, which were initially met with skepticism, have since been validated and are now integral to our technological landscape. This validates the importance of relying on evidence and reasoning rather than personal intuition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while common sense can provide valuable insights and practical wisdom, it cannot be considered a substitute for proper education and sound reasoning. The advancement of scientific methods has demonstrated the necessity of research, evidence, and logical analysis in understanding the world around us. By acknowledging the limitations of common sense and embracing a scientific mindset, we can build a more informed and reliable foundation for our beliefs and actions.