Definition of Appeal To Common Sense
The Appeal to Common Sense is a logical fallacy where one argues that their claim or proposition is true because it aligns with what they believe to be common sense, or what they assume is universally accepted, self-evident, or obvious to all rational individuals. This fallacy is problematic because it relies on subjective and often unverified assumptions, rather than concrete evidence or logical reasoning. It also dismisses the complexity of many issues, oversimplifying them to fit into what is perceived as 'common sense'. Furthermore, it can stifle critical thinking and debate, as it discourages questioning or challenging of these so-called 'common sense' beliefs. It is important to note that what is considered 'common sense' can vary greatly among different cultures, societies, and individuals, and is not a reliable standard for determining truth or validity.
In Depth Explanation
The Appeal to Common Sense is a logical fallacy that occurs when someone asserts that a particular claim is true because it aligns with what they perceive to be 'common sense.' This fallacy can be quite deceptive because it relies on a shared understanding of what is considered common or obvious. However, what may seem like common sense to one person might not be so for another, and this is where the fallacy lies.
The fundamental principle behind this fallacy is the assumption that 'common sense' is a universally accepted standard of truth or logic. However, 'common sense' is a subjective concept that can vary greatly among different individuals, cultures, or societies. It's not a reliable standard for establishing truth or validity in an argument.
The logical structure of this fallacy typically follows this pattern: "Claim X is true. Why? Because it's just common sense." The problem here is that the argument doesn't provide any concrete evidence or logical reasoning to support claim X. Instead, it relies on the vague and subjective notion of 'common sense.'
In abstract reasoning, the Appeal to Common Sense can manifest in various ways. For instance, someone might argue that a particular philosophical concept must be true because it aligns with their understanding of common sense. However, without providing logical reasoning or empirical evidence to support this concept, they are committing the Appeal to Common Sense fallacy.
The potential impact of this fallacy on rational discourse is significant. It can lead to misunderstandings, false conclusions, and unproductive debates. When an argument relies on 'common sense' instead of concrete evidence or logical reasoning, it becomes difficult to critically analyze or challenge the argument. This can stifle meaningful discussion and hinder the pursuit of truth.
Let's consider a simple hypothetical scenario: Person A argues that all birds can fly because it's just common sense. Person B, however, knows that not all birds can fly, like penguins and ostriches. In this case, Person A's argument is an example of the Appeal to Common Sense fallacy. It relies on a subjective notion of common sense instead of factual evidence.
In conclusion, the Appeal to Common Sense is a logical fallacy that relies on the subjective notion of 'common sense' to validate a claim. It's essential to recognize this fallacy in order to engage in rational discourse and critical thinking effectively. Always remember, what seems like 'common sense' to one person might not be so for another. Therefore, it's crucial to support your arguments with concrete evidence and logical reasoning, rather than relying on 'common sense.'
Real World Examples
1. Example from Politics: In the 2003 Iraq invasion, the Bush administration argued that it was "common sense" to assume Iraq had weapons of mass destruction because Saddam Hussein had used them in the past and was acting suspiciously. This appeal to common sense was used to justify the invasion without concrete evidence. In reality, this was a logical fallacy because the assumption was not based on solid evidence, but rather on a subjective interpretation of what constitutes "common sense". The subsequent failure to find such weapons illustrated the danger of this fallacy.
2. Example from Health: An individual might argue that it's "common sense" to believe that natural remedies are always better than pharmaceutical drugs because they come from nature and have been used for centuries. However, this is an appeal to common sense fallacy. Just because a belief seems intuitive or has been held for a long time doesn't make it scientifically accurate or universally true. Many natural substances can be harmful, and many synthetic drugs are highly effective. This fallacy could lead to harmful health decisions if it prevents people from seeking effective, scientifically validated treatments.
3. Example from Personal Finance: A person might argue that it's "common sense" to avoid investing in the stock market because it's risky and you could lose all your money. However, this is an appeal to common sense fallacy. While it's true that there are risks involved in investing, it's not universally true that all investments will result in a loss. In fact, historically, long-term investment in diversified portfolios has often resulted in significant gains. By appealing to "common sense" without considering the evidence, this fallacy could prevent people from making decisions that could benefit them financially in the long run.
Countermeasures
Challenging the 'Appeal to Common Sense' fallacy requires a systematic approach that focuses on evidence, logic, and critical thinking.
Firstly, it's crucial to encourage the person making the appeal to provide empirical evidence that supports their claim. This can be done by asking them to present data, studies, or other forms of verifiable information that back up their argument.
Secondly, it's important to promote logical reasoning. This can be achieved by asking the person to explain the logical steps that lead from their premises to their conclusion. If they can't do this, it suggests that their argument might be based on a fallacy rather than on sound reasoning.
Thirdly, it's beneficial to foster critical thinking. This can be done by encouraging the person to consider alternative explanations or viewpoints. If they're unwilling or unable to do this, it suggests that they might be biased or close-minded.
Lastly, it's helpful to question the assumption that 'common sense' is always correct. This can be achieved by pointing out that 'common sense' can often be influenced by cultural, societal, or personal biases, and that what seems like 'common sense' to one person might not seem like 'common sense' to another.
In summary, countering the 'Appeal to Common Sense' fallacy involves promoting evidence-based reasoning, logical thinking, and open-mindedness, and questioning the assumption that 'common sense' is always right.
Thought Provoking Questions
1. Can you identify a time when you relied on 'common sense' to make a decision or form an opinion, without seeking any concrete evidence or logical reasoning? How did that impact the outcome?
2. How do you ensure that your beliefs and opinions are not overly influenced by what you perceive as 'common sense', but are instead based on verified facts and logical reasoning?
3. Can you think of an instance where what you considered 'common sense' was not universally accepted or self-evident to others? How did this discrepancy affect your understanding of the situation?
4. How do you challenge the notion of 'common sense' in your thinking process to avoid oversimplification of complex issues and encourage critical thinking?