Common sense

Definition

Common sense refers to sound, practical judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts, often considered an innate ability to make sensible decisions. In the context of American literature and history, it serves as a rallying cry for rational thought and action, reflecting Enlightenment ideals and influencing revolutionary sentiments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense,' published in 1776, argued for independence from British rule and sold over 100,000 copies in just a few months.
2. Paine's writing style was direct and accessible, using common language to connect with ordinary people and inspire them to consider independence.
3. The pamphlet framed independence as a matter of common sense rather than radicalism, making a compelling case that self-governance was natural and necessary.
4. 'Common Sense' challenged traditional monarchy by arguing that government should be based on reason and the will of the people rather than hereditary right.
5. Paine's ideas in 'Common Sense' contributed to a growing national identity among the colonists, helping unify diverse groups under the banner of independence.

Review Questions

• How did Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' embody Enlightenment ideals, and what impact did it have on public opinion regarding independence?
  • 'Common Sense' embodied Enlightenment ideals by promoting reason, individual rights, and skepticism towards established authority. Paine presented arguments that appealed to logic rather than emotion, emphasizing that government should be based on rational principles. The pamphlet significantly impacted public opinion by convincing many colonists that independence was not just desirable but essential for their rights and freedoms.
• Discuss how 'Common Sense' influenced the genre of political pamphlets during the Revolutionary period and its effectiveness in shaping revolutionary thought.
  • 'Common Sense' set a precedent for political pamphlets by demonstrating how persuasive writing could mobilize public sentiment. Paine's clear arguments against monarchy and for self-governance inspired other writers to adopt similar approaches, leading to a proliferation of pamphlets that addressed various aspects of revolutionary thought. The effectiveness of these writings was evident in their ability to reach a wide audience, galvanizing support for independence and shaping collective ideology.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Paine's use of common sense in his arguments on American national identity and democratic values.
  • 'Common Sense' had lasting effects on American national identity by laying the groundwork for a society built on democratic values rooted in reason and individual rights. Paine's insistence on common sense as a basis for government encouraged future generations to value rational discourse in politics. This legacy can be seen in subsequent movements advocating for civil rights and social justice, where the principles of equality and rationality remain central to American democracy.

Related terms

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, significantly influencing political thought and literature.

Pamphlet: A brief printed work that presents information or arguments, often used during the revolutionary period to persuade public opinion.

Deism: A philosophical belief that posits that reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of a creator, influencing both religion and literature.