Astronomy Practice Exam

What is a characteristic risk of relying solely on common sense?

1. It is always reliable and accurate

2. It may fall short at the frontiers of science

3. It promotes effective scientific inquiry

4. It enhances experimental outcomes

The correct answer is: It may fall short at the frontiers of science

Relying solely on common sense can lead to shortcomings, especially at the frontiers of science where traditional understandings may not apply. Common sense is based on everyday experiences and generalizations that are often useful in familiar situations. However, scientific inquiry often challenges these intuitions, introducing complex concepts that may seem counterintuitive or paradoxical. For instance, in realms such as quantum mechanics, the behavior of particles defies what we would typically expect based on common sense. This discrepancy highlights that common sense can misguide individuals when they encounter new or exceptional phenomena that do not align with established notions. Therefore, it's essential for scientific exploration to rigorously test ideas and hypotheses rather than relying on instinctual reasoning alone. This approach is crucial for advancing knowledge, particularly in areas that push the boundaries of human understanding.