Navigating Between Scientific Thinking and Common Sense: A Journey of Discovery

Imagine that you are in a park looking at the night sky. Suddenly, a shooting star crosses the firmament and you find yourself making a wish. This is a classic example of how common sense, that is, the set of beliefs and knowledge shared by a community, influences our actions and thoughts daily. But what if you were told that the 'star' you saw was not actually a star, but rather a small piece of a comet or a meteor?

Quizz: How would you feel to discover that something you always believed, like making a wish upon seeing a shooting star, was based on a common sense misconception?

The dichotomy between scientific thinking and common sense is a fascinating theme that permeates not only Philosophy but all aspects of our daily lives. While common sense is based on tradition, intuition, and personal experience, scientific thinking seeks answers through systematic methods, observations, and controlled experimentation. This distinction is crucial to understanding how different types of knowledge develop and influence our decisions.

However, it is important to note that common sense is not 'wrong' in itself, but often incomplete or based on simplified explanations that may not withstand more rigorous analysis. On the other hand, scientific thinking, while rigorous and methodical, may fail to capture the complexity and subjectivity of certain human experiences. Therefore, exploring these two ways of thinking is not merely an academic exercise but a vital skill for navigating the modern world.

In this chapter, we will dive into the essence of scientific thinking and common sense, discussing practical examples of how these approaches manifest in our daily lives. By the end, we hope you not only understand the difference between them but also recognize the importance of integrating both ways of thinking to make informed decisions and build a more complete understanding of the world around you.

The Foundations of Scientific Thinking

Scientific thinking is a systematic and logical approach that seeks to explain natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and data analysis. This method was developed to overcome the limitations of common sense, which often relies on subjective perceptions and can lead to inaccurate conclusions. By adopting scientific thinking, researchers ensure that their discoveries are verifiable and replicable, essential for building scientific knowledge.

One of the pillars of scientific thinking is objectivity, that is, the ability to analyze things as they are, not as we would like them to be. This means that preconceived ideas or personal beliefs must be set aside during the investigation process. Objectivity helps to avoid biased conclusions and maintain the integrity of the scientific method, allowing truth to be discovered in an impartial and rational manner.

Additionally, clear communication and transparency are essential in scientific thinking. Scientists must report their methods and results in a way that others can understand and, if necessary, replicate their studies. This not only strengthens the reliability of the research but also promotes the growth of collective knowledge, ensuring that science advances collaboratively and based on solid evidence.

Proposed Activity: Demystifying Common Sense

Write a brief report on a myth or popular belief that you have always questioned. Use the principles of scientific thinking to analyze and demystify this concept, presenting arguments based on observations, hypotheses, and, if possible, empirical data.

The Role of Common Sense

Common sense, on the other hand, refers to the practical and intuitive knowledge that is widely accepted within a community. It is built from everyday experiences and often serves as a compass for quick actions and informal decisions. Although it can be useful in common situations, common sense can be limited when faced with complex or new issues that require deeper analysis.

One of the striking characteristics of common sense is its adaptability and malleability. It evolves over time and with experience, reflecting changes in society and culture. However, this same flexibility can lead to contradictions and delay progress in areas where scientific knowledge is more appropriate, such as public health or technology.

Despite its limitations, common sense plays a crucial role in daily life and opinion formation. It allows people to navigate the world without needing extensive technical or scientific knowledge, becoming an indispensable tool for social interaction and for solving simple problems.

Proposed Activity: Common Sense in Action

Identify a situation in your daily life where you relied on your common sense to make a decision. Write about how that decision was influenced by what you knew or believed to be true, and reflect on whether a scientific approach could have led to a different conclusion.

Conflicts and Complementarities between Scientific Thinking and Common Sense

Although scientific thinking and common sense may seem opposites, they often overlap and interact in interesting ways. On one hand, scientific thinking can challenge and even refute the assumptions of common sense, leading to a revision and improvement of practical knowledge. On the other hand, common sense provides fertile ground for hypothesis formulation and for conducting more targeted research by highlighting areas where scientific knowledge is most needed.

This dynamic is particularly evident in fields like health, where common sense may suggest treatments based on personal or traditional experiences, while scientific thinking seeks to validate these claims through controlled tests and systematic reviews. The successful integration of these two approaches can result in more effective medical practices and a better understanding of diseases and their treatments.

Therefore, it is crucial for students and citizens in general to develop an appreciation for the complexities and interactions between scientific thinking and common sense. This not only enriches their understanding of the world but also empowers them to make informed decisions that consider both scientific evidence and cultural and social perceptions.

Proposed Activity: Real Life Debate

Create a virtual or in-person group debate to discuss a topic of your choice that can be analyzed both from the perspective of common sense and scientific thinking. Prepare arguments for both sides and try to reach a common conclusion that integrates viewpoints.

Practical Application of Scientific Thinking and Common Sense

The practical application of scientific thinking and common sense is seen in almost every aspect of our lives, from how we cook and exercise to how we make important decisions about education and career. For example, when planning a diet, we might use our common sense to choose healthy foods, but scientific thinking helps us understand nutrition in a more detailed way, allowing us to optimize our health more effectively.

Similarly, in emergencies, such as fires or earthquakes, common sense may guide quick actions, such as exiting a burning building. However, scientific thinking, applied through safety protocols and emergency planning, can save lives and minimize damage more efficiently and based on evidence.

These examples illustrate how a balanced combination of scientific thinking and common sense can lead to more informed and effective decisions. The ability to integrate these two forms of thinking is a valuable tool for modern citizens, enabling them to navigate not only everyday issues but also complex challenges that require deep and comprehensive understanding.

Proposed Activity: Integrated Emergency Plan

Prepare an action plan for a specific emergency situation, such as a fire or an earthquake, incorporating both common sense and scientific thinking. Describe how each approach contributes to the plan and what the advantages of their integration are.

Summary

• Scientific Thinking: A systematic and logical approach to explaining natural phenomena through observation, hypotheses, experimentation, and data analysis.
• Objectivity: A pillar of scientific thinking that requires analyzing things as they are, not as we wish they were, to avoid biased conclusions.
• Communication and Transparency: Essential in scientific thinking to ensure the replicability and reliability of scientific discoveries.
• Common Sense: Based on practical and intuitive knowledge, widely accepted in the community, and usually helpful for quick and informal decisions but limited in complex situations.
• Adaptability of Common Sense: Evolves with time and experience, reflecting changes in society, but can lead to inaccurate conclusions in areas that require deeper knowledge.
• Conflicts and Complementarities: Scientific thinking and common sense often complement and contradict each other, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach.
• Practical Application: A balanced combination of scientific thinking and common sense can lead to more informed and effective decisions in all areas of life.

Reflections

• How can you apply scientific thinking to challenge and perhaps even improve your daily practices based on common sense?
• In what way can the integration of scientific thinking and common sense be beneficial in your education and future career?
• Reflecting on emergency situations, like fires, how can the integration of scientific knowledge and common sense change decisions and safety?
• What is the importance of maintaining an open and flexible mind capable of integrating multiple forms of thinking in solving everyday and complex problems?

Assessing Your Understanding

• Conduct a practical experiment at home or at school that involves comparing a decision based on common sense with another based on scientific thinking. Document the results and your conclusions.
• Develop a school research project that explores a popular belief or myth and uses scientific thinking to investigate its truth. Present your findings at a science fair.
• Create a vlog or blog where you document your reflections on the use of common sense and scientific thinking in different aspects of your life, inviting your peers to participate in the discussion.
• Organize a debate at school about a current topic that can be analyzed both by common sense and scientific thinking, such as the effectiveness of alternative health treatments.
• Develop an interdisciplinary lesson plan with your teachers to explore how scientific thinking and common sense are addressed in different subjects, such as science, mathematics, history, and literature.

Conclusion

By the end of this chapter, we hope you have gained a deep understanding and appreciation for the distinction between scientific thinking and common sense, recognizing their practical applications and interactions in everyday life. To prepare for the active class, we recommend reviewing the concepts discussed, reflecting on the examples presented, and, if possible, trying to apply scientific thinking in everyday situations, challenging your own beliefs and observations. During the class, you will have the opportunity to explore these themes in a more interactive manner, debating with your peers and applying the scientific method in real or simulated scenarios. Be prepared to contribute your ideas, questions, and solutions, using the knowledge gained to enrich discussions and expand your understanding of how scientific thinking and common sense shape our worldview and influence our decisions.