What is the Difference Between Common Sense and Critical Thinking

The main difference between common sense and critical thinking is that common sense is something that comes naturally, while critical thinking is an intentional process where we assess or analyze a situation in a rational and organized manner.

Common sense and critical thinking are two qualities that help us in problem-solving.  Common sense is good sense and sound judgement in practical matters, while critical thinking is the ability to think in an organized and rational manner, understanding the logical connection between ideas or facts.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Common Sense 
      – Definition, Features
2. What is Critical Thinking
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Common Sense and Critical Thinking
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Common Sense, Critical Thinking, MindDifference Between Common Sense and Critical Thinking - Comparison Summary

What is Common Sense

Common sense is a person’s good sense and sound judgement in practical matters. In other words, it’s the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment we all need to live in a reasonable and safe way in society. Moreover, it does not involve any specialized knowledge.

Difference Between Common Sense and Critical Thinking

In fact, common sense is a type of unwritten and unspoken knowledge that all humans have. We acquire it unconsciously from the time we are born. To be more specific, we acquire this knowledge through experience, observation and curiosity, without being even aware of it. Moreover, we use this knowledge in a practical situation, sometimes without even realizing that we are doing it. Wearing a good pair of boots when you are going on a hike is an example of common sense. But, if you use high heels or some other fashionable shoes for this type of excursion, you are not using your common sense.

What is Critical Thinking

We can describe critical thinking as the ability to think in an organized and rational manner, understanding the logical connection between ideas or facts. Critical thinking involves rational and unbiased analysis or evaluation of factual evidence. A person with critical thinking skills will always engage in reflective and independent thinking. They will always question ideas and assumptions and analyze them critically without accepting them at face value. They also identify, analyze, solve problems systematically, instead of by instinct or intuition.Main Difference - Common Sense vs Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves a process with several steps. The first step is identifying the problem or question. Once you narrow it down, it’s easier to find solutions. Then find sources that give different ideas and points of view relevant to this issue. Next, analyze and evaluate the data you have found. Now you can determine whether these sources are reliable, unbiased and whether they are based on strong data. After a good analysis, you can establish what sources are most important. Then you can make a decision or reach a conclusion based on this data.

Difference Between Common Sense and Critical Thinking

Definition

Common sense is good sense and sound judgement in practical matters while critical thinking is the ability to think in an organized and rational manner, understanding the logical connection between ideas or facts.

Nature

Common sense is something that comes naturally to us, while critical thinking is a practised and intentional process where we assess or analyze a situation in a rational and organized manner.

Awareness

Critical thinking always happens at a conscious level, while common sense can also occur at an unconscious level.

Decisions

Moreover, common sense usually leads you to make correct decisions, but critical thinking may sometimes mislead you since there can be mistakes in your data or logical process of thinking.

Conclusion

The main difference between common sense and critical thinking is that common sense is something that comes naturally, while critical thinking is an intentional process where we assess or analyze a situation in a rational and organized manner.

Image Courtesy:

1. “2519654” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Critical Thinking” By EpicTop10.com (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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