--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Common sense doesn't have the last word…" description: "\"Common sense doesn't have the last word in ethics or anywhere else, but it has, as J. L. Austin said about ordinary language, the first word: it should..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fe/thomas-nagel-9440_action_common-sense-doesn-t-have-the-last-word_523630.jpg" --- # Common sense doesn't have the last word in ethics or… ![“Common sense doesn't have the last word in ethics or anywhere else, but it has, as J. L. Austin said about ordinary language, the first word: it should be examined before it is discarded.” quote by Thomas Nagel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fe/thomas-nagel-9440_action_common-sense-doesn-t-have-the-last-word_523630.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fe/thomas-nagel-9440_action_common-sense-doesn-t-have-the-last-word_523630.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fe/thomas-nagel-9440_action_common-sense-doesn-t-have-the-last-word_523630.jpg) > “Common sense doesn't have the last word in ethics or anywhere else, but it has, as J. L. Austin said about ordinary language, the first word: it should be examined before it is discarded.” [Thomas Nagel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-nagel/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Common sense is not the ultimate authority in ethics; it must be scrutinized before being dismissed. **In simple terms:** Common sense needs careful examination before rejection. Key Takeaway Question and test common assumptions. Themes ethics philosophy critical thinking Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - moral debates - policy making - everyday decisions - education Key Concepts ordinary language examination authority Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions are you accepting without scrutiny? - How does examining common sense change your view? A Different Perspective Common sense can be useful but may oversimplify complex issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Common sense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/common-sense/) [Ethics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ethics/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Last Word](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-word/) [Last words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-words/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [Literature transforms and intensifies ordinary language, deviates systematically from everyday speech. 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