There is No Such Thing as Common Sense

 The world has become increasingly complex in the twentieth century and even more so in the first quarter of the twenty first. How we deal with complexity both emotionally and cognitively can impact on how we deal with the factual world around us. It can affect our decision-making and make us vulnerable to abuses of power.

There are many folk who just don’t seem ready to accept that the world is complex, and they turn to alternative simplistic stories that have no basis in reality. Marketers and politicians play on our need for simplicity, but if you know their tricks you can be forewarned.

Complexity accounts for the tendency to accept simple but false narratives instead of continuing the analysis until a robust solution is found. The reasons for this are listed below. This effect is in addition to the most basic tendency to adopt a reassuring belief and then rationalise it. The two tendencies probably overlap - an existing simple and reassuring belief can function as an emotional rallying point and a convenient exit from accepting the wider implications of the factors we face, and where the responsibility will land.

So here are some of the reasons that drive us increasingly to adopt more simplistic positions than reality demands:

Cognitive ease. This is the degree of comfort and fluency with which information is processed. Simple answers are processed more easily than complex, nuanced ones, leading individuals to favour them. This is because the brain tends to conserve cognitive resources, preferring paths of least resistance.

Confirmation bias. People often seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and dismiss information that contradicts them. A simple answer that aligns with their current understanding or beliefs is more likely to be accepted without further scrutiny.

Anchoring. This is the tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when making decisions. Once a simple answer is presented, it can serve as an anchor, making it difficult for individuals to adjust their thinking to incorporate more complex or nuanced information.

Social proof. Individuals often look to others to determine what is true or correct. If a simple answer is widely accepted within a group, individuals are likely to adopt it, believing that the collective acceptance implies accuracy.

Authority bias. People tend to trust and accept information from authority figures without further analysis. If a simple answer is presented by someone perceived as an expert or an authority, it is more likely to be accepted at face value.

Groupthink. We have all heard of this but it is much harder to see when you are inside it. In group settings, the desire for harmony and conformity can lead to the acceptance of simple answers. Dissenting opinions that encourage deeper analysis may be suppressed to avoid conflict.

Cognitive dissonance. Another one that we’ve probably all heard of. Complex or contradictory information can cause cognitive dissonance, a state of mental discomfort. Accepting a simple answer helps to quickly reduce this discomfort, restoring psychological equilibrium.

Fear of uncertainty. This is a powerful driver towards thinking simply and avoiding the uncertainty that is inherent to complexity. Ambiguity and uncertainty can be unsettling. A simple, even if false, answer provides a sense of certainty and control, which is emotionally reassuring.

Overconfidence. The Dunning-Kruger effect. People often overestimate their knowledge and understanding of a topic. This overconfidence can lead them to accept simple answers without feeling the need for further analysis.

The simplicity heuristic. This heuristic leads people to prefer simpler explanations because they are easier to understand and remember. The simplicity heuristic can overshadow the accuracy of the information.

The availability heuristic. People tend to rely on information that is readily available to them. Simple answers are often more memorable and easier to recall, leading to their acceptance over more complex explanations that require deeper contemplation.

Our history. There is also an evolutionary explanation for being simplistic and fast. From an evolutionary standpoint, quick decision-making has been advantageous for survival. The preference for simple answers can be seen as an adaptive behaviour, allowing for rapid responses in uncertain environments.

The acceptance of simple but false answers is a multifaceted issue influenced by cognitive biases, social dynamics, emotional comfort, and heuristic thinking. Understanding these factors can help in developing strategies to encourage more critical thinking and thorough analysis. Efforts to mitigate these tendencies include promoting education on cognitive biases, encouraging a culture of questioning and scepticism, and fostering environments where complex and nuanced thinking is valued and rewarded.

By recognizing the interplay of these factors, individuals and societies can better navigate the complexities of information processing and decision-making, ultimately leading to more informed and accurate conclusions. If someone gives you a simple answer, be sceptical, and ask questions. There is no such thing as common sense, the world is far too complex for that.