The historical use of 'common sense' spans from empowering revolutionary ideals to becoming a tool for right-wing populist narratives that delegitimize dissent.
Common sense often undermines expert opinions in political discourse, leading to the normalization of radical ideas and fostering misinformation.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Common Sense in Politics
The concept of common sense has deep historical roots in American politics, tracing back to figures like Thomas Paine, who effectively used it to advocate for revolutionary ideas. While many perceive common sense as universal truths that everyone agrees upon, its political usage often distorts that notion to present contentious ideas as obvious. This rhetorical strategy allows politicians to claim radical proposals as mainstream beliefs, effectively reframing the narrative to silence opposition. The manipulation of common sense in this way has grown increasingly evident in modern discourse, especially among populist leaders who invoke it to legitimize their extreme views.
Common Sense as a Political Tool
Common sense serves as both an inclusive and exclusionary political tool, depending on its context and usage. It allows those outside of traditional power structures to assert their lived experiences as valid forms of knowledge, yet can simultaneously delegitimize dissenting opinions by branding them as 'nonsense'. For instance, when political figures utilize common sense to dismiss expert opinions, they reinforce a populist narrative that prioritizes instinctive understanding over critical analysis. This paradox reveals the double-edged nature of common sense, which can empower marginalized voices while also restricting nuanced debate.
Historical Context of Common Sense Appeals
Historically, appeals to common sense have been a hallmark of both democratic and authoritarian movements, demonstrating its versatility as a rhetorical device. The emergence of this term in early 18th-century England coincided with the rise of party politics, allowing ordinary citizens to engage in political discourse despite varying levels of literacy and expertise. While figures like Paine initially utilized common sense to foster democratic ideals, its subsequent adoption by right-wing populists signifies a shift toward undermining democratic principles in favor of exclusionary narratives. As a result, understanding the evolving significance of common sense is essential in recognizing the broader implications it has on contemporary political dynamics.
The Role of Common Sense in Modern Discourse
In today's political climate, the concept of common sense is frequently conflated with ideology, leading to discussions that dismiss opposing viewpoints without engagement. Politicians may present personal anecdotes as common sense truths, undermining scientific evidence or expert opinion, as seen in debates surrounding vaccines or economic policies. This dismissal of expertise often perpetuates misinformation while simultaneously fostering a culture of distrust in professional knowledge. Ultimately, by recognizing the manipulative potential of common sense, individuals can become more critical consumers of rhetoric, questioning its validity and checking its usage against established facts.
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Sophia Rosenfeld is a distinguished historian and the author of Common Sense: A Political History. She joins Nathan to discuss how the idea of “common sense” has been used as a political weapon—from Thomas Paine to Donald Trump. Rosenfeld explains how appeals to common sense can both empower ordinary people and shut down dissent, why the term has become central to right-wing populism, and how it helps mask deeply ideological claims as obvious truths. She also reflects on her new book, The Age of Choice, and the hidden politics behind the freedoms we take for granted.
0:00-6:04 How Trump uses "common sense" as a political weapon
6:04-16:15 How "common sense" is used to make radical ideas normalized
16:15-21:03 How "common sense" undermines expertise
21:03-27:57 What are the origins of "common sense?"
27:57-32:33 How "common sense" can be manipulated for good
32:33-39:25 The politics of “choice” and why freedom of choice isn’t always liberating
39:25-44:34 Is “common sense” real, or just a rhetorical tool?
