Abstract
This discussion provides dissimilarity between common sense and science; the relationship of common sense and beliefs; and a reflection of how a scholarly-practitioner can relate all of these to the field of critical thinking. It further explores the application of “ belief perseverance” and an explanation of how it interferes with critical thinking; and one strategy that flags critical thinking in the presence one’s belief system. The discussion will conclude with an analysis of common sense, science and beliefs relate to critical thinking, and the significance of critical thinking to a scholarly-practitioner (PPPA 8000 “Common Sense and Science”, 2013).
Difference Common Sense and Science
According to online Merriam Webster dictionary, common sense is defined as best and careful reasoning based on a straightforward evidence of a given circumstance or reality, and science is a systematic knowledge gained through study and experiment. In simple terms, common sense is know-how gained on the basis of daily information, and science is systematic research based on a specific subject matter with concluded facts.
Science expresses essentially natural qualities based on empirical factuality that common sense does not delve into. Science functions on the basis of theories that are constantly verified and modified through experimentation. On the basis of required validity needed to make judgments, science conduct tests on its own propositions, thereby eliminating hypotheses which do not prove relevance to the domain. Science also has ways of discarding held perceptions and intuitions that can adequately be explained. Common sense fails to measure up within these perimeters. Finally, science rules abstract concepts with no basis in reality; whereas, common sense allows abstract theory or talk without empirical facts. For example, to suggest that a spiritualist cured ones disease, and not contemporary medicine, is one such classical
References: Common Sense and Science. (2013). [Week 9 Discussion]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url Douglas, N. L. (2000). Enemies of critical thinking: Lessons from social psychology research. Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2004). Becoming a critic of your thinking: Learning the art of critical thinking. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/becoming-a-critic-of- your-thinking/605 Friedman, S Hill, K. (2011). Communicating Science: The Difference Between Science and Common Sense