Wikipedia
Wiki Quote
Clearly, there are two different interpretations of common sense.
The most standard is not the one that I use and would seem to be an understanding of social norms such that one can blend effortlessly into the the mass of society and be perceived as a solidly average person and a valuable and affirming member of society.
My understanding is more like John Locke’s (see wiki) which is often called ‘seeing the forest for the trees’ or ‘taking a step back’. The ‘common’ in this case is in seemingly different elements as connected in a way that is not obvious until logic is applied. This could be applied to social situations or other problems, like how to drain tuna juice from the can without spilling the tunafish.
Either way, the term is similar to ‘smart’ or ‘evil’ in that it is can easily be misinterpreted because it isn’t very specific.
My suggestions for two alternative terms:
logical thinker -- placing logic and creativity over
common knowledge
common knowledge -- Traditional definiton, taught social norms
great shrewdness -- A knowledge of how best to manipulate
common knowledge
One definition implies that common sense is esoteric (for the enlightened) while another implies that it is exoteric (public)
