What Is Common Sense, Really?

“Use your common sense!” — we’ve all heard it, but what does it actually mean? Is common sense a reliable guide to truth, or just a set of shared assumptions that can hold us back from deeper thinking?

Philosophers from Aristotle to Thomas Reid have defended common sense as the foundation of knowledge, while others have argued that questioning “what everyone knows” is the very heart of philosophy. In an age of scientific discoveries, cultural differences, and rapid change, is common sense universal, or just a reflection of our upbringing and society?

At this meetup, we’ll discuss:

• What counts as “common sense”?
• Can it serve as a solid ground for knowledge, or is it often misleading?
• When should we trust it — and when should we challenge it?
• Does philosophy begin with common sense, or with doubting it?

No prior experience in philosophy is needed — just bring your curiosity, questions, and maybe your own examples of “common sense” wisdom (or nonsense). Whether you see common sense as our best compass or a shaky crutch, come join the conversation!

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