Ajay Bhatla,
Thank you for providing inquisitive feedback.
quote: ...how relevant might that [teaching Common Sense] be to steering to the future?
To grow broad opportunities for Physicists, and to recruit young people to pursue careers in physics:
1) requires a broad capacity to consider and relate logic (mathematics, scientific method, critical thinking...)
2) broad business development must take place to support grants and related research (research is the first to get cut in suffering economies)
3) educational programs are currently funded to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics (STEEM), so that teaching Common Sense can easily fall within existing programs if a focused effort is made. This means that the efforts cited are implementable, and not just rhetoric.
4) to recruit students to "learn" to enjoy physics requires a system of continuous engagement (see Dr. Nader Vadiee's "Vertical Integration Pathway") so that the concepts of physics are incrementally introduced and relationally manageable. By this I mean, do NOT just introduce students to Black Holes and the Universe as simply emotional awe, that only smart people can think about. To also provide them with social and logical tools to articulate their ideas into a career pathway. The Common Sense tools provide teachers with the tools to share with students to interact with physics even at a very young age.
5) .... don't want to dwell on
quote: Can common sense really be taught?
Yes, but it will take implemented action to verify. Though the bases I believe is strong enough to acquire grants for implementing verification (assessments), the tools need to be firmed up into Educational Materials so they can be distributed to Teachers. Khan Academy is an initial partner being considered.
quote: 1. Extremely vague meaning [regarding dictionaries]
You are very correct in the Dictionary References providing a generalized nature of definitions resulting in multiple logical pathways of interpretation depending upon the context in which it is used.
I intentionally created a lexicon with word definitions that fall within public knowledge, but restricted the definitions and further defined them related to emotional, social, and logical communication processes.
The system of words are set up so their use does not produce contradictions. However, as other experts in sociology, psychology, philosophy ... become directors or otherwise provide works related to grant activities, I am sure the present structure will evolve to be more inclusive of broader considerations. Of significant importance is persons with specific disabilities and children. So child-centered professionals I am sure will produce additional valuable tools.
Self-Esteem is based in the skills needed by particular social groups. This is partly why the 501(c)3 structure was selected. The broad effort by "experts" requires monetary compensation. To develop the tools to teach Common Sense specific to specific social groups needs social group characterization. This requires time and money; and I cannot do everything, I am providing the seed and potting soil to get things going. The 501(c)3 is expected to evolve beyond myself and I will eventually be replaced by systems of diverse professionals.
I encourage any recognized professional to become a member of the UA-KiTS.com Board of Directors; whether or not this essay wins. This essay spawned development, but the teaching of Common Sense will continue regardless.
quote: 2. Very Loose Knowledge Set
I can only put just so much information in an "essay" before it becomes a book. Also, there is a concern about Trade Secrets related to the 501(c)3 and protecting IP in the interest of sustaining growth. Though the examples provided use of many of the relationships presented, the details become dry for use in an essay written for a general audience. Persons who have a keen interest are encouraged to become more involved.
quote: 3. Is any aspect of the future open to being a trade? I think not for one simple reason: - we understand something because someone has seen it before. And when no one has seen the future, we have no way to define what we may want to teach.
Very many of us anticipate the future and through Result Management ensure the Future becomes what we anticipated. Skills in Common Sense are required for good Program and Project Management. As we approach our anticipated results of our efforts, we often find better use of our resources for yet greater returns on our investments. Project Managers often predict the future and create related Statements of Work (SOW). This is how complex projects are built, by predicting the future by management. Competent Management requires useful skills in Common Sense.
Would you say it is easier to predict the future with, or without, applied Common Sense?
Would you rather enter a business initiative with a person who is irrational, or someone who demonstrates reliable use of common sense?
What group of people has a better chance of producing businesses that provide physics related occupations? Those with Common Sense, or those that are irrational.
What group of people will pursue careers in physics more often, those who are irrational or those with common sense?
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These were trick questions. A person with strong skills in Common Sense at times makes irrational decisions based upon emotional or social pressures, or not carefully considered logic. Consider the Challenger explosion. But a person with well-developed common sense makes these errors less often. We ALL can benefit from stronger skills in applying common sense.