What is common sense?
Is it daily observations of our world that we all get and accept so that we assume everyone else should know and think the same as we do?
When should we not expect others to agree with our observations? (in other words, the sense is not common?)
Is it something so accepted by us that we do not question the validity of our observations? Should we question more of what we take as common sense?
Maybe our common sense is influenced by the social norm around us, that it is common sense that we should dress "properly" for the occasion. In this case, is common sense being used as a reason to not question social norms?
Is common sense being use as a reason to stop discussion and inquiry? How do we respond to the argument that it is just common sense?
If we disagree that something is common sense, how do we defend our case? By taking a poll?
Is commons sense being use by the majority to overwhelm the opinion of the minority? Is the majority always right?
Maybe common sense is similar to axioms in logic and mathematics. Geometry started with the concept of lines being the extension of a point and parallel lines do not meet each other. These are starting points that is difficult to ask "why". Yet from these simple concepts comes all the various theorems of intersecting angles and big body of geometry with useful applications in the real world.
How do we know which common sense concepts are axioms and which are not?
Should we use common sense as an explanation at all?
Cultural norms confused as common sense is misleading as a "standard" for moralality. But standards are similar to what's given as common sense and often necessary for advancement or consideration in any given system. As the saying goes "When in Rome!" applies. But I wouldn't take up smoking if I went to Italy and everyone was smoking! But, if it could save my life in the short term, maybe I would? What if I didn't want to smoke, (as I've lived somewhere else and it's repulsive to me?) Last resort, (especially if I'm adament about it) do as Socrates and be the Better Man! To add, I still admire Socrates and think his sense could be common, although it hardly was!
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