Common Sense Doesn't Exist

"Common sense" is an expression known to all. People from all backgrounds: college-educated, minorities, majorities, Democrats, and Republicans all use this term in everyday speech and in political rhetoric. You've heard someone say, "Common sense isn't so common anymore," or "Where is your common sense?" or even used as part of terms such as "common sense gun laws" or "common sense education."

In the United States, the idea of "common sense" is ingrained in our history. Every US history student learns about (and probably reads excerpts from) Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense" that helped spark the revolution among the common people.

Despite the title, the term "common sense" does not actually appear in the arguments or rhetoric. Likely, because it was already implied, but also because it is a nonsense term that means something different to everybody. Using "common sense" as the title was a smart move because it appealed to everyone's own sentiments without defining the term.

The original title for the pamphlet was "Plain Truth" which I think could serve as a simple definition for "common sense." The Oxford Languages dictionary defines "common sense" as "good sense and sound judgment in practical matters."

The problem with this definition isn't that it is incorrect, but that "good sense," "sound judgment," and even "practical matters," are all subjective. Historically, the term seems to mean something along the lines of "pragmatic," "obvious," or "street smart." However, in my opinion, the term "common sense" is frequently used as a tool to manipulate the populace, especially the lower or blue-collar classes. To them, they have common sense, whereas people directly opposed to them (whether politically, socioeconomically, or even personally) lack common sense.

Now, I don't think people consciously use the term this way. But, even when someone says that something is "common sense," it rarely becomes an argument in my experience, even if they adamantly disagree with it. Common sense is commiseration in experience and condemnation.

Personal uses of the term "common sense" between individuals are generally harmless in the moment. I personally don't like it, but I am not going to police how people speak. Ironically, though, the concept of "common sense" polices a person's thought processes subtly and inconspicuously.

"Common sense" is particularly nefarious in political rhetoric. While many politicians may use the term to appear relatable to their voter base, it is still a form of manipulation used by politicians of all eras and parties. I am not here to denounce every politician who has used the term; many do so with good intentions. But the effect of the term is far from harmless in the political space.

While I agree with the ideals behind it, I hate the term "common sense gun laws." It is true that most people support these reforms, but the term is vague and frankly misleading. What one person believes are common sense gun laws is likely not the same as what the next person believes, even if they both support gun reforms.

I understand it's probably not that deep. But words matter. "Common sense" has no objective meaning. This is exploited to control a person or a population's thoughts, even if not consciously. Similar manipulation can be seen in the changing of the name of the "Department of Defense" to "Department of War." Defense does not always mean war, but war always means war.

I am far from a prescriptivist. Words and phrases take on different and sometimes even conflicting meanings throughout time. But, they first have to have an objective meaning. "Common sense" assumes an objective meaning without explicitly saying it. It forces a person to infer—which is not necessarily a nefarious thought process—what they want common sense to mean.

The idea of common sense is doublethink, and we are all falling for it.