Common Sense In Critical Thinking

Often practical wisdom is synonymous with critical thinking. A person is able to think through difficult situations and come up with different answers that may fit the setting. Critical thinking pertains to the process of being able to find several ways to approach a setting from various perspectives (Moody, 2011). When a person is said to have common sense they are able to use a lot of their life experiences make decisions. This does not necessarily follow a prescriptive list of methods for coming to a conclusion. People who have good common sense can often find answers within themselves but cannot tell why they have made this decision.
Topin (2011) suggests that in any situation it is important to put common sense in front of common

or practical wisdom. Even though it is important to think through a situation and use the techniques of critical thinking, if it is apparent that a common sense solution is the most productive and useful to the patient and family then to stick to one approach only would lead down a path to an unhappy conclusion.
Aristotle first referred to the phrase ‘practical wisdom’ and defined this as the ability to act on that premise. He used of this term was to figure out the right way to the right thing at the right time and not follow established rules (Schartz, & Sharpe, 2010).
Critical decision making, practical wisdom, and common sense must be tied together when dealing with the most important asset in healthcare, the customer. Every contact is an opportunity to establish a moment with each person that may keep a client for a lifetime. When we look at problems in healthcare, it is important to hear from the entire team. Not only the physicians but the clinical support members may be able to contribute to the strategies that allow a better outcome. Just having a better education does not always make a better answer when it comes to common sense. Involving the entire team in practical wisdom and common sense gives a broader scope to answers that may have eluded those who make decisions without input from others having contact with the patient and family. Involve the team, use critical thinking strategies and put common sense back into the decision making process (Topin, 2011).

References
Moody, David L. (2011). Teaching critical thinking. Practical wisdom. Journal of American
Culture, 34, 316-317.
Schartz, B. & Sharpe, K. (2010). Practical wisdom: The right way to do the right thing.
Publishers Weekly, 57, 41-42.
Topin, A. (2011). Common sense versus common wisdom. Pharmaceutical Representative, 41,
20-22.