Common sense is often seen as a valuable and practical way of thinking that is based on experience and observation rather than abstract reasoning or academic knowledge. However, it’s also true that common sense can be misleading and even illogical at times. In this essay, we’ll explore what might be considered the most illogical argument in common sense.
One of the most illogical arguments in common sense is the idea that “if something works once, it will work every time.” This argument assumes that if a particular strategy or approach has been successful in the past, it will always be successful in the future. However, this is simply not the case.
For example, imagine that you have a friend who always takes the same route to work every day. One day, your friend gets stuck in traffic and is late for an important meeting. They decide to take a different route home, and to their surprise, they find that it’s faster and easier than their usual route. Based on this experience, your friend decides to always take the new route, assuming that it will always be faster and more efficient than the old one.
However, this is a flawed assumption. Just because the new route worked once doesn’t mean that it will work every time. There may be other factors that affect traffic patterns or road conditions that could make the new route slower or more difficult in the future. Similarly, just because a particular approach or strategy has been successful in the past doesn’t mean that it will always be successful in the future.
Another illogical argument in common sense is the idea that “if something is more expensive, it must be better.” This argument assumes that higher prices are always an indication of higher quality or better performance. However, this is often not the case.
For example, imagine that you’re shopping for a new car. You find two models that you like, one that is very expensive and one that is much more affordable. You assume that the expensive car must be better, so you decide to buy it. However, you later discover that the more affordable car actually has better fuel efficiency, more features, and better safety ratings than the expensive one. In this case, the illogical assumption that “more expensive is better” led you to make a poor purchasing decision.
Finally, another illogical argument in common sense is the idea that “if everyone else is doing it, it must be right.” This argument assumes that the behavior or opinions of the majority are always correct or justifiable. However, this is not always the case.
For example, imagine that all of your friends are participating in a dangerous and illegal activity, like street racing or drug use. You may be tempted to join in because you assume that if everyone else is doing it, it must be okay. However, this is a flawed assumption. Just because a behavior is popular or widespread doesn’t make it ethical or legal.
In conclusion, common sense can be a valuable and practical way of thinking, but it’s not always logical or reliable. The most illogical argument in common sense is the idea that “if something works once, it will work every time.” Other illogical arguments include the assumption that “more expensive is better” and the idea that “if everyone else is doing it, it must be right.” It’s important to approach common sense with a critical and discerning mindset, and to avoid making assumptions or generalizations that are not supported by evidence or reason.
Thanks for reading this essay! I hope you learned something new today! 🙂 I’ll be posting more so stay tuned and have a blessed rest of your day!
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