Common Sense In History: What You Need To Know

Ever find yourself reading about history and thinking, “Well, duh, that’s just common sense!”? But hold up, history is full of surprises, and what seems obvious to us now might not have been so clear-cut back then. Let's dive into what common sense really means when we're looking back at the past.

Defining Common Sense Through Time

Okay, so common sense – what is it, really? It's that shared understanding, those basic assumptions and beliefs that a group of people have at a specific time. It's the stuff that everyone just knows, without needing to be told. Think of it as the unwritten rules of society. But here’s the kicker: common sense isn't universal or timeless. What’s considered common sense today might have been totally bonkers a few centuries ago, and vice versa. This is especially true when we're looking at history.

The Relativity of Common Sense

One of the biggest challenges in studying history is recognizing that common sense is relative. What made perfect sense to people in the 16th century might seem utterly bizarre to us now. For example, believing in witchcraft was once common sense. People genuinely thought that witches caused bad weather, crop failures, and illnesses. It wasn't just a few fringe folks; it was a widespread belief ingrained in their understanding of the world. Today, most of us would laugh at the idea, but back then, it was a serious matter with real-world consequences. Understanding this shift in perception is crucial to avoid judging historical actors by modern standards. What appears irrational from our perspective was often entirely rational within their own framework of knowledge and beliefs. This doesn't excuse harmful actions, but it provides essential context.

How Society Shapes Common Sense

Society plays a massive role in shaping what we consider common sense. Our cultural norms, values, and experiences influence our understanding of the world. In different eras, societal structures and power dynamics dictated what was considered acceptable or logical. For instance, in many historical societies, the idea of a divinely ordained monarchy was common sense. People believed that kings and queens were chosen by God to rule, and questioning their authority was not only illegal but also sacrilegious. This belief was reinforced through religious teachings, political propaganda, and social customs. As a result, even oppressive rule was often accepted as the natural order. Examining how societies construct and reinforce common sense helps us understand the underlying power structures and ideologies that shaped historical events. It also encourages us to question our own assumptions and biases.

Examples of Evolving Common Sense in History

Let's get into some specific examples to see how common sense has changed over time. These examples highlight how different societies operated under completely different sets of assumptions.

Medicine and Health

Back in the day, medical practices were often based on theories that sound completely absurd to us now. Take bloodletting, for instance. For centuries, doctors believed that removing blood from a patient could cure a wide range of ailments, from fever to infections. This practice was based on the ancient Greek idea of balancing the body's humors. It was common sense at the time, even though it often did more harm than good. Today, we understand that blood plays a vital role in our immune system and overall health. Modern medicine relies on scientific evidence and rigorous testing, a stark contrast to the speculative approaches of the past. The evolution of medical common sense demonstrates how scientific advancements and empirical evidence can reshape our understanding of the human body and disease. It also serves as a reminder that what we consider to be the best medical practices today may be viewed differently in the future as our knowledge continues to grow.

Social Hierarchies

Social hierarchies have been a feature of almost every society throughout history, but the justifications for these hierarchies have varied widely. In feudal societies, it was common sense that people were born into their social class and that there was little to no social mobility. Peasants were expected to serve their lords, and lords were expected to protect their peasants. This system was seen as natural and ordained by God. Challenging the social order was not only dangerous but also considered morally wrong. Today, we generally believe in social mobility and equality of opportunity, even if these ideals are not always fully realized. The shift from rigid social hierarchies to more fluid social structures reflects changing values and beliefs about human rights and social justice. Understanding how common sense has shaped and reinforced social hierarchies in the past helps us critically examine contemporary social inequalities and work towards a more equitable society.

Gender Roles

Gender roles are another area where common sense has undergone significant transformations. In many historical societies, it was common sense that women were inferior to men and that their primary role was to be wives and mothers. Women were often excluded from education, politics, and economic opportunities. These beliefs were deeply ingrained in cultural norms and legal systems. Today, while gender inequality still exists, there is a growing recognition of women's rights and contributions to society. The fight for gender equality has challenged traditional gender roles and expanded opportunities for women in all areas of life. The evolution of common sense regarding gender roles highlights the power of social movements and changing cultural attitudes in shaping our understanding of human potential and equality. It also underscores the importance of continuing to challenge gender stereotypes and biases.

Pitfalls of Applying Modern Common Sense to the Past

Applying our modern common sense to historical events can lead to some serious misunderstandings. It's easy to judge people in the past based on our current values and knowledge, but that’s a recipe for misinterpreting history.

Anachronism

Anachronism is when we project modern ideas and values onto the past. For example, it would be anachronistic to criticize a medieval king for not implementing democratic reforms. The concept of democracy simply didn't exist in the same way back then. Similarly, it would be unfair to condemn historical figures for not adhering to modern environmental standards, as environmental awareness is a relatively recent development. Avoiding anachronism requires us to understand the specific historical context in which people lived and acted. This means researching their beliefs, values, and constraints before making judgments. It also means recognizing that progress is not linear and that different societies have followed different paths.

Presentism

Presentism is closely related to anachronism. It’s the tendency to interpret the past solely through the lens of the present. This can lead to a biased and distorted understanding of history. For instance, we might look at historical figures who owned slaves and immediately label them as evil without considering the broader social and economic context of slavery. While slavery is undoubtedly morally reprehensible, understanding its historical context is crucial to understanding the complexities of the past. Presentism can also lead to the selective highlighting of historical events that support our current political or social agendas. To avoid presentism, we must strive to understand the past on its own terms, recognizing that people in the past had different priorities, values, and perspectives than we do today.

How to Develop Historical Empathy

So, how do we avoid these pitfalls and develop a more nuanced understanding of the past? The key is to cultivate historical empathy.

Understanding the Context

To truly understand historical events, you need to immerse yourself in the context. This means learning about the social, economic, political, and cultural conditions of the time. Read primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and official documents, to get a sense of how people thought and felt. Study the art, literature, and music of the period to understand their values and beliefs. By immersing yourself in the historical context, you can begin to see the world through the eyes of people who lived in the past.

Questioning Your Own Assumptions

We all have biases and assumptions that shape our understanding of the world. To develop historical empathy, you need to be aware of your own biases and how they might be influencing your interpretation of the past. Ask yourself: What assumptions am I making about this historical event or person? How might my own values be different from those of people in the past? By questioning your own assumptions, you can open yourself up to new perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the past.

Considering Multiple Perspectives

History is rarely simple or straightforward. There are often multiple perspectives on any given event. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the past, you need to consider these different perspectives. Read accounts from different social classes, genders, and ethnic groups. Explore the viewpoints of both the victors and the vanquished. By considering multiple perspectives, you can gain a more nuanced and balanced understanding of history.

Conclusion

Common sense is a tricky thing when it comes to history. What seems obvious to us now might have been completely different in the past. By understanding the relativity of common sense, avoiding anachronism and presentism, and developing historical empathy, we can gain a richer and more accurate understanding of the past. So next time you’re reading about history, remember to check your common sense at the door and try to see the world through the eyes of those who lived it. You might be surprised at what you discover!