Common Sense Is Worthless in Science
Channel: C0nc0rdance
Date: 2009-08-02

Common sense is lauded as a virtue.  But is it really?
Only within the narrow range of experiences we grow up with.  It's often more harmful than helpful in the scientific process.

How far should we trust common sense?
When does it steer us wrong?
Why do we find common sense so appealing?

Please feel free to share in the comments your own favorite counter-intuitive scenario that is nevertheless true.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_hall_problem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-Newtonian_fluid