Jul 19 2012: Paul: common sense is defined by Merriam-Webster as, "sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts." If it was up to me, I would label this subject "uncommon sense" or like you put it good sense. You are right in that some of these things are derived from our experiences, upbringing and such. But not all. Case in point, sometimes I find myself wondering if my parents don't get it either. I don't want to get hung up on terminology as much as the subject matter.
Jul 18 2012: Common sense examples:
- if you see someone walking in a building with their hands full of grocery, hold the door pen for them.
- if it is raining outside let pedestrians cross the road. You are in a car and will not get wet.
- if you are driving, do not use your hands for things other than driving. (no texting, putting makeup, eating and drinking)
Jul 18 2012: I believe human evolution is driving the technology as much as the opposite. We will keep coming up with new inventions or improvements to current tech to keep our minds churning. The rate of evolution may fluctuate ( is it a sine wave?) but it will keep going. I don't think we will ever reach a point where we will hear that we have reached the end. Humans will evolve in the next 100 years to better suite the environment which will be significantly different than the cave man.
Jul 18 2012: + if you want to become an expert and pursue research or teaching type profession.
- if you intend to work in an industry. Some companies used to have incentives for staff or research engineers but those positions are disappearing in a lot of sectors.
Ultimately it is a choice and desire for whatever the reason (position, title, expertise, etc..)
Jul 18 2012: Great question! I don't recall any studies exploring the differences in thought processes of humans vs animals. Why does our grey matter do what it does but other living things don't...
Jul 17 2012: Good point Stewart. I suppose we can talk about levels of common sense. Level-1 would be survival instincts like don't touch fire, don't walk in to traffic etc.. Next level could be things that one does that may or may not make sense to others like don't stop at the entrance of a busy store or office and cha on phone. Things that are not survival type issues but more of our actions and behaviors. That is more of what I am thinking about. I will try to jot down some more examples in the next few days to clarify.
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A comment on Conversation: Common sense is not so common. Why?
A comment on Conversation: Common sense is not so common. Why?
- if you see someone walking in a building with their hands full of grocery, hold the door pen for them.
- if it is raining outside let pedestrians cross the road. You are in a car and will not get wet.
- if you are driving, do not use your hands for things other than driving. (no texting, putting makeup, eating and drinking)
A comment on Conversation: Has technology accelerated human evolution?
A comment on Conversation: Can luxury brands (specifically cars) be at the leading edge of sustainability?
A comment on Conversation: If you are an engineering student, will you study to the PhD level?
- if you intend to work in an industry. Some companies used to have incentives for staff or research engineers but those positions are disappearing in a lot of sectors.
Ultimately it is a choice and desire for whatever the reason (position, title, expertise, etc..)
A reply on Conversation: Strange questions that humans have not yet found an answer for!
A comment on Conversation: Common sense is not so common. Why?