more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
In matters beyond the reach of common understanding, the many are led by the few, and willingly yield to their authority. But, in matters of common sense, the few must yield to the many, when local and temporary prejudices are removed.
Gist of Idea
In obscure matters the few must lead the many, but the many usually lead in common sense
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 6: Judgement [1785], 4)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.259
A Reaction
Wishful thinking in the 21st century, when the many routinely deny the authority of the expert few, and the expert few occasionally prove that the collective common sense of the many is delusional. I still sort of agree with Reid.
| 22141 | It is enough if we refute the objections and leave common opinions undisturbed [Aristotle] |
| 95 | If everyone believes it, it is true [Aristotle] |
| 6492 | Reid is seen as the main direct realist of the eighteenth century [Reid, by Robinson,H] |
| 23654 | In obscure matters the few must lead the many, but the many usually lead in common sense [Reid] |
| 23633 | Many truths seem obvious, and point to universal agreement - which is what we find [Reid] |
| 8794 | There are very few really obvious truths, and not much can be proved from them [Sosa] |
| 2960 | Commonsense realism must account for the similarity of genuine perceptions and known illusions [Lockwood] |
| 22668 | Apprehension is a complex intellect grasping the essence of a complex object [Holt,L] |
| 14466 | A chief task of philosophy is making reflective sense of our common sense worldview [Thomasson] |