19 replies to this topic

[mudmanc4]

Anyone explain what common sense is ?

[Roco]

It's part hereditary part learning , it applies across the animal kingdom, but a trait fast disappearing in humans ,hence the popularity of trying to win the Darwin award, LOL


I think it’s a cultural thing that has been proven to work in the past .
As in all things it has it’s downside , it can stifle new ways and inventions ,indeed a good few things have been found by not using common sense , or by accident , but the majority by using tried and tested common sense methods,

on a personal level , it's the ability to rationalise a given situation ,
i.e. I want a Ferrari Italia 485 , common sense says in your dreams ,

[mudmanc4]

So in essence , your saying common sense is not all that feasible in todays real world progression right ?

That we as humans should simply fly by the seat of our dungarees , and call a white cow something to be feared if it fits the times ?

I only pose this hypothetical question for one reason , I keep getting told i am a dying breed, and I should fall off the earth as dust and allow progress to take place, because i am supposedly stuck in a fictitious dreamland of what someone else wanted me to be, and I hold values that are scorned to be a death penalty to all mankind.

[Blako]

I guess common sense would have to be the opinion of the commoners, your average person. A choice that a majority would choose? Roco is correct in saying that the favorite choice of a sample of people can be a different favorite choice if people from another culture are surveyed.

Your best guess is affected by your background and culture. Innovators may go against common sense if they think outside the box of what others say is normal (or common).

a given situation, ... I want a Ferrari Italia 485 , common sense says in your dreams

I'm different then Roco. I would reply: A Ferrari? You got the goal now you need the plan.
Does that mean I'm not normal? No.

We share different opinions but no matter how ignorant or educated we are, there will be a majority vote of what is the best course of action in a given situation.

[mudmanc4]

This is an intriguing dilemma .

If we assume that a populous vote , or general consensus on human matters is specifically tied to generational factions within a culture or region, then by default we should start back at the origin of the question. Why, because a general consensus can be altered by any given plethora of media ( and I use the word media autonomically not specific to standard idea's of media ) , or in other words ' at the local pub' , or whatever chosen group of friends has gathered out of the same ideology. Media can be what an 'onlooker' see's as he or she listens to there respective acquaintances.

So 'common sense' can be described as nothing at all ? If there's nothing rooted in the definition , or the definition is not rooted in practical every day matters that come natural , or a standard set of morals it's meaning is null.

This is still my question.

[tdawnaz]

merriam webster says "sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts"

[Roco]

apart from mudmanc , quoting me words I never said
indeed common sence . is just common to the group of folk of your tribe .
some part is heridtary ,
Birds dont try to fly before developing flight feathers , a young child having fallen in water will atempt to swim ,
the rest is lernt .that learning can be manipulated ,
Mudmanc's comment "I keep getting told i am a dying breed" is true we all are , indeed to quote R.McGuinn
those that aint busy being born is busy dying ,
I think thats why I figure me and Muddy clash, we both think this way (
indeed I got every respect for those that "wasn't born to follow ",
well, being a Brit our bikes and road adventures were more like

My plea is don't disrespect those younger, their ways might not sit comfortable , they are the future ,
maybe just one day they might say thanks to the old boy , he was nuts but then ? maybe not ,

[Roco]

I guess common sense would have to be the opinion of the commoners, your average person. A choice that a majority would choose? Roco is correct in saying that the favorite choice of a sample of people can be a different favorite choice if people from another culture are surveyed.

Your best guess is affected by your background and culture. Innovators may go against common sense if they think outside the box of what others say is normal (or common).


I'm different then Roco. I would reply: A Ferrari? You got the goal now you need the plan.
Does that mean I'm not normal? No.

We share different opinions but no matter how ignorant or educated we are, there will be a majority vote of what is the best course of action in a given situation.

Thanks Blako , indeed we have different tribal plans , but we think the same ways, ( rational )
the ferari is but a dream I will never atain , but then I have road tested a few ,indeed that 12 cylinder surge is
mesmoric and shifted my eyeballs into the back of my head ,and the exaust howl remided me of the first time ,
maybe my drean to own ,but common sense tells me , do I need that to visit my local shopping mall ? ,
maybe the uk price on gas clouds my view = $ 8.5 USD American gallon,but my 40 x 8 Mbps internet cost's peanuts aparently ,
(about $23 USD a month,)
common sense I belive applies to the situation at that moment in time , maybe later given time to digest all the facts
it's easy to say I wish I had said that , or acted differently .,it's a thing called hindsight ,
= coimmon sense learning curve on reflerction ,

[Blako]

Mmm, the word hindsight brings up anger... um no... perhaps adamant emotion in me.

In 8th grade my class visited Arlington Nation Cemetery. A ceremony was about to commence and since I was one of the few students in semi-formal attire I was asked if I wanted to assist in the presentation of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solder. Being very shy and very quiet my mental response was "no way!" The army servicemen in their flawless formal uniforms, and stoic faces looked scary to a 8th grader. So I asked myself: "If I didn't do it, would I regret it later." The answer was a strong yes. So I chose to do something way out of my introverted comfort zone. Three other students and I were told to wait at the top of these stairs. A serviceman was marching toward us, his polished shoes clapping onto the white marble. He stopped just in front of us, so close I had to look up to see the colorful ribbons on his chest. In a single moment he relaxed his posture, smiled, and said: "How you guys doing today?" He proceeded to give us instructions as to the process of the ceremony. Even though I didn't personally carry the wreath just being part of the procession was a turning point for me. I am no longer shy and quiet. I'm now quiet yet confidant. I have made the choice to do now what I would regret not doing later and to not do now what I would regret doing later.

There be a page from the story of my life.
Blake

[mudmanc4]

Roco please notice the ' ? ' After my question about your comment. The way the words prior to the remark ' ? ' signify my understanding of your reply, and the ' ? ' signifies in so many words ' am I correct in my understanding ?

Here is another one. ~
Are we to assume , by gathering thoughts from the prior comments....... ( following me roco ? ) That in essence common sense in it's general societal form , are ever evolving, determined by the learnt ?

Determined by the occasional effect that any one or compilation of occurrences that have any drastic effect on the populous ? That once we as a group , nation or collective go through events , we inherently are forced by nature to change the basis of how we think ? To think differently ?

If we drive the ferrari , and it effects our very core to the point of changing our lives in such a way ( as Blake suggested ) ' getting the plan ' , I interpret this as the means that each of us should go about our lives btw. Because we must have wants in some way , the key is to know the goal, then work towards the goal in reverse. This way we know where we are going.

Or if we were to experience something as amazing as Blake has ( wow btw Blake, I have been to Arlington but never even knew they allowed anyone other then the constantly changing selected military to step foot down there , that Blake, is a very real honor you have been given, by giving yourself like that imo ! ) That changes a persons thought pattern.

Although these stories are life changing in there own accord , evolving what common sense is due to either individual or collective events is a falice imo. Which leads us to a false destination. A destination that we set out as a people, nation or race of opposable thumb creatures on the planet Earth , that is to better our lives , enriching future generations by our tolerance and tenacity.

No ?

[Blako]

Mudmanc4 is thinking deep and is probably correct.

I choose not to look at the definition of common sense because I figured mudmanc posted here looking for something else. What I posted is my opinion of a possible answer. I do see that the events unique to our lives create a rational unique (or not-common) to each of us. If we assume that people do what they think is best. Then thinking this way is one thing common between all of us. We all have the ability to look at our options and make a choice. How and why we choose the best course of action is unique to the individual. I don't know if there is a right answer Mud but I sense your getting a personal definition of common sense.

"Education is the path from cocky ignorance to miserable uncertainty." - Mark Twain
We should have questions like Mudman's all the time! Good talk chaps.


Roco you can't use the word your defining in the definition of the word

Ancestor: "any person from whom one is descended.
Decendant: "proceeding from an ancestor"

Infinite loop ah! lol

Edited by Blako, 11 August 2012 - 09:39 AM.

[mudmanc4]

merriam webster says "sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts"

How quaint lol

So webster is also assuming mental chaos Vs. social stability.

The definition of any given fact does not change, perception however can be influenced. So in that alone there definition is seriously flawed and seems to have a colored lean. Leaving 'common sense' to be open to interpretation or reconfiguration by influencing perception of the facts. At the same tim leaving judgement out in the cold. And defining prudence on simple perception. Not much of a definition now is it.

Blake honestly ,considering the color blue is moving toward the fulcrum or point of view , and red shift is moving away, in our human definition and perception of what we have created to understand the realities around us, common sense tells us , mathematically , point of view has everything to do with influencing our perception. Knowing this, the question remains the same , although becomes muti-faceted , and not so simple as the miriam webster definition.

Now we have to look at what influences as individuals as well as the socially collective point of view. Who is setting this point of view and why ?

Is it us , collectively searching for answers were not even vocally aware of ? Or are there outside services that pre determine where were looking, if the latter is true , then where is the choice ? Where is the human factor ?

[Roco]

Common sence tells me to get out of this topic,

[mudmanc4]

Common sence tells me to get out of this topic,

Yea it's a tough subject once we start breaking it down.

[CA3LE]

Anyone explain what common sense is ?

Knowledge of something that everyone 'should' possess.

e.g. it's common sense that you should cover your nose when you sneeze.

[mudmanc4]

Knowledge of something that everyone 'should' possess.

e.g. it's common sense that you should cover your nose when you sneeze.

Great example. Another might be to tie your shoe laces ( if you wear shoes that have ties ), or don't walk out into heavy traffic and expect not to meet the pavement soon after.

[Roco]

Knowledge of something that everyone 'should' possess.

e.g. it's common sense that you should cover your nose when you sneeze.

Interesting point Ca3le Sir , ( creep that I can be )
Made me think on , do animals poses common sense
Re sneezing
Over the years of having dogs . it would now appear they don’t
If you place a contented dog on it’s back it is guaranteed to sneeze within 2.minutes 40 seconds ,without lifting a paw to cover it’s nose
and with a blow pipe styled snout they can hit the owner full square without lifting a paw
Therefore I concluded it doesn’t posses common sense .
But then I query if his dinner is late by more than 15 minuets
Why does he flip his empty food bowl all over the kitchen floor ,
Does he have an internal rolex , ?

Common sense is too easy a term , indeed keep breathing is common sense .
Unless under water
Indeed ( as I have unfortunately seen ) you can appear brain dead ,
But still breathing and the heart beating ,
Indeed you may walk into the path of a truck , and survive ,
But it’s life not as we know it JIM .
As adults we have learned that,
babies haven’t ,But they know at birth when to start breathing and the need for food ,
Now that cant be learned common sense .

Dang me , from my previous post “ I am out of this topic “
I can’t resist adding to it , hence logic tells me I have no common sense

[Conuck]

Good common sense is don't stick your hand into a fire its hot!

[Roco]

Good common sense is don't stick your hand into a fire its hot!

indeed that is so, common sense is a learnt traight ?
if we accept common sense is learnt ,when does it appear in age ?,
just thinking, babies throw into water will attempt to swim , and folk falling from a great hight attempt to fly ,
if so how do you seperate common sense from auto reflex action ?
if you can't, does it mean common sense is nothing more than a animal reflex action ,
and the reason we are here discusing this topic today ? ,




.

[mudmanc4]

Pleasant surprise with everyones comments, truly.

Don't stick your hand in the fire, this has much more meaning then the surface temperature explains yes ?

As for your very interesting comment roco, about a child trying to swim to a less viscous way to absorb oxygen, and appended with 'does it mean common sense is nothing more than a animal reflex action' , ---Sir roco , the comment is most appreciated, and is in every way the very reasoning and direction I was hoping this topic was started. You renew my hope.

As a thought without a question is as subjective as that same child reaching for the reflection that proves to be the door to life, and heading for the depths instead because the shiny ball at the bottom might bring that treasured instant gratification.

Although after that comment , I would dare to bet if you were to rethink your previous comment on the dog , not having common sense to cover it's sneeze. It would be revised.

As the dog has common sense in many ways humans as a whole have at least for the time being , allowed to the wayside.

Such as a more primordial mannerism. 'Don't piss off the feeder' -- sneezing will get a reaction , but not something that will hasten the food bowl content. More like ' make it seem as if i really like my master when he/she has the wind and I'm under the covers ( I'll just sniff around to see if anything was left for the taking ) << seriously ? Yup lol