Common knowledge
Common knowledge - something that many or most people know.
In my view, cohesive society is only possible when a foundation of common knowledge exists. Interestingly, it seems common knowledge doesn’t need to be true. Think back to when it was common knowledge that Earth was at the centre of the universe. Societies operated perfectly well because, while what they believed was wrong, this belief had no material impact on how society ran. In fact, it was Nicolaus Copernicus proposing the correct view that created societal ructions.
Today, it’s common knowledge that governments use taxation to pay for government spending on, for example, infrastructure, nurses and the police. It too is wrong but, because “most people” believe this to be true, it works fine. It certainly works fine for the wealthy and banks who benefit hugely from the incorrect common knowledge which allows profiteering at a scale envied by the illegal drug trade.
Once a concept enters common knowledge, it is extremely hard to change. This is because the knowledge has become axiomatic – self-evident or unquestionable. Nobody questions gravity, how electricity works or that we are living in a democracy (I’m doubtful that we are). Individuals or groups claiming that accepted common knowledge is wrong are generally viewed as crackpots or conspiracy theorists.
But, as a society, key important areas are, or have fallen into, debate. For example, vaccinations, climate-change, history and the news media.
Vaccination is an interesting area. Historically, I would argue that the majority of people viewed vaccination efficacy as common knowledge. Driven by science and the scientific method, vaccinating a population was seen as the way to mitigate the spread of avoidable diseases and the accompanying human misery. And it was successful in banishing horrendous diseases like polio and smallpox. But misinformation, created and spread deliberately then inadvertently through social media, has pushed this view into contention.
Even though the vast majority of people still view vaccination as a sound, sensible practice, as a concept, it isn’t now in the same category as gravity. By faking a link between autism and vaccinations, Wakefield’s contribution to society has condemned many people to death, disease and pain. In return, he has become a wealthy see you next Tuesday.
Breathe.
Climate change is one of the most critical areas that, through the concerted effort of the wealthy, the trillion-dollar fossil fuel industry and media pedlars of misinformation, has not become common knowledge. I wonder when morons like New Zealand’s Sean Plunkett (New Zealand answer to Hannity) comment “it’s just weather”, whether he actually believes this or is just making sure his sugar-daddy keeps funding him until he retires (hopefully soon).
I’m confident that climate change will be viewed by history as an inevitable consequence of humans discovering oil – liquid, turbocharged sunshine. I say inevitable because climate change due to human activity has started and will continue – what isn’t inevitable is the extent of climate change.
The question I want to pose is this – what will it take for climate change, and its impacts, to become common knowledge?
Lead photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
