Common Sense

Merriam-Webster defines common sense as a noun that means “sound and prudent judgement based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20sense 

Britannica Dictionary defines Common Sense as a noun meaning “the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and to make good decisions.” https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/common-sense#:~:text=common%20sense%20noun-,common%20sense,and%20to%20make%20good%20decisions

Based on these two definitions, common sense says that my idea of common sense will possibly apply only to me in every concept I discuss. Some things I think are common sense will resonate with many other people and possibly raise anger and angst in others.

I listen to what is being said in a discussion and not just respond with my already existing bias. I have often walked away from a debate and now agree with my discussion partner. The discussion is always welcome when people are respectable but in opposition to me.

We all have biases; we must recognize them when trying to make a decision for more than ourselves. There is a type of bias that is known as the unconscious bias or implicit bias. The American Psychological Association defines “Implicit bias, also known as implicit prejudice or implicit attitude, is a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group.”  https://www.apa.org/topics/implicit-bias#:~:text=Implicit%20bias%2C%20also%20known%20as,against%20a%20specific%20social%20group.

Do I need to overcome an unconscious bias or acknowledge that it exists and consciously avoid allowing it to affect my decision? Predjudices you have built because of experience or stories you have been told (did unconscious bias affect the content of the story?), are one of my most significant unconscious biases that I always try to stop and make sure I am not letting it affect my decision.

Here are a couple of examples:

When Vivian Ward enters the high-end clothes shop, the clerk kicks her out. (Pretty Woman)

More commonly, when discussing immigration and the government opening the border to refugees from other countries.

The next time someone states something is common sense, will you stop and think; Is it?