What is the Difference Between Common Sense and Science?

Common sense and science are two distinct approaches to understanding the world around us. Here are the key differences between them:

• Definition: Common sense refers to sound, practical judgment concerning everyday matters, or a basic ability to perceive, understand, and judge in a manner that is shared by nearly all people. Science, on the other hand, is a systematic and structured approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and the development of theories and laws.
• Origin: Common sense is based on personal experiences, intuition, and the ability to make practical judgments in everyday situations. Science, however, is a socially produced body of knowledge generated through a systematic process aimed at eliminating uncertainty and increasing understanding.
• Scope: Common sense is mainly concerned with immediate action in context, while science is mainly concerned with achieving some understanding that is, to some extent, independent of persons and context.
• Reliability: Common sense is considered reliable because it is based on shared human experiences and intuition. Science, however, is considered more reliable due to its systematic approach, testable hypotheses, and the requirement for evidence to support theories.
• Application: Common sense is typically used in everyday life for making decisions and judgments. Science is used in various fields, including technology, medicine, and public policy, to make informed decisions and develop innovative solutions.

In summary, common sense is a set of shared, practical judgments based on everyday experiences and intuition, while science is a systematic, evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world. Both have their roles in understanding and navigating the world, but science is often considered more reliable and applicable in various contexts.

Comparative Table: Common Sense vs Science

Here is a table highlighting the differences between common sense and science:

Common sense is our usual understanding of practical issues and provides solutions to everyday problems. It is based on personal experiences, intuition, and cultural norms, making it subject to biases and limited perspectives. On the other hand, science is a systematic and objective method for understanding the natural world, relying on observations, experiments, and data analysis to uncover general principles, laws, and explanations. While common sense is useful for day-to-day life, science goes beyond it to provide a deeper understanding of the world around us and assist in making new discoveries.