Re:Origins of 'common sense'

My simple understanding of the difference is:
Common sense: Flexible reasoning that integrates the experience and perception of others.
Private logic: Inflexible reasoning based only upon ones own experience and perception.

Common sense is generally the closest approximation of reality based on, and shaped by, combined understanding. One of the basic premisses of Adler's approach is that because our perception is imperfect truth is the most expedient error. We behave as if what we see is true... if it seems to work for us and solve our problems (private logic). New experiences with reality and the experiences of others may challenge what we thought was true. It is through the integrating perception from a variety of sources that we clarify reality, come closer to the truth, and successfully meet the tasks of life (common sense). If we fail to integrate this and rigidly hold to private logic we have problems with living.

Craig

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