Have you ever wondered what happens when the institutions shaping our brightest minds abandon the very principles that built a nation? It’s a question that hit me hard while strolling through a university campus recently, watching students debate ideas that seemed to float untethered from reality. Once, places like these were bastions of common sense realism, a philosophy that grounded America’s Founders and fueled a revolution. Today, something else has taken root, and it’s reshaping not just education but the way we connect, argue, and live as a society.
The Rise and Fall of Common Sense in Academia
In the mid-19th century, American universities were steeped in a philosophy that championed self-evident truths. This was the era of common sense realism, a way of thinking that argued some truths are so fundamental, they don’t need elaborate proof—they’re just obvious. Think of the Declaration of Independence’s bold claim: “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” That wasn’t just rhetoric; it was a worldview, one that universities like Harvard and Princeton taught to generations of students.
The principles of common sense realism shaped the American mind, giving clarity to the ideals of liberty and equality.
– Historian of American philosophy
This philosophy, often traced back to Scottish thinkers like Thomas Reid, wasn’t just academic jargon. It was practical, accessible, and deeply American by the time it took hold here. It taught students to trust their instincts about truth while reasoning through complex ideas. Universities didn’t just teach it—they lived it, shaping leaders who could think clearly and act decisively.
What Was Common Sense Realism, Anyway?
At its core, common sense realism is about trusting that some truths are universal and knowable. It’s the idea that you don’t need a PhD to recognize that all people deserve equal respect or that liberty is worth defending. These truths, as Reid argued, are self-evident, meaning they’re clear to anyone who pauses to think about them. For America’s Founders, this was the bedrock of their vision for a free society.
- Self-evident truths: Ideas like equality and justice don’t need endless debate—they’re obvious to a reasoning mind.
- Practical reasoning: Common sense realism encouraged clear thinking over abstract theorizing.
- American identity: It became the philosophical backbone of the nation’s founding documents.
This approach wasn’t just for ivory towers. It was a way of life, guiding how people debated, governed, and even loved. In relationships, for instance, it fostered trust in shared values—like honesty or mutual respect—that didn’t need overanalyzing. You knew them when you saw them.
When Did Things Start to Change?
Fast forward to the 20th century, and the ground began to shift. By the late 1800s, new ideas were creeping into academia, challenging the old certainties. Postmodernism, with its skepticism of universal truths, started gaining traction. Unlike common sense realism, which trusted in shared realities, postmodernism argued that truth is subjective, shaped by power dynamics or personal perspectives. It’s like the difference between saying “the sky is blue” and “well, it depends on who’s looking.”
By the mid-20th century, elite universities were drifting away from their founding principles. The shift wasn’t sudden—it was a slow erosion, like waves wearing down a cliff. Professors began prioritizing theory over practicality, and students were taught to question everything, even the obvious. I’ve always found it curious how this skepticism, while useful in small doses, can spiral into rejecting the very idea of truth itself.
Postmodernism doesn’t just question truth—it denies its existence, leaving us untethered from reality.
– Cultural analyst
The Ripple Effects on Society
This philosophical pivot didn’t stay confined to lecture halls. It seeped into every corner of society, including how we form and maintain relationships. If truth is subjective, what happens to the shared values that hold couples together? Trust, fidelity, and mutual respect start to feel like negotiable concepts rather than bedrock principles. I’ve seen this firsthand—friends debating what “commitment” means as if it’s a choose-your-own-adventure story.
| Philosophy | Core Belief | Impact on Relationships |
| Common Sense Realism | Truth is self-evident and universal | Builds trust through shared values |
| Postmodernism | Truth is subjective and fluid | Creates uncertainty in commitment |
The shift also fueled broader cultural changes. When universities teach that nothing is certain, it’s no surprise that public discourse gets messy. People struggle to agree on basic facts, whether it’s about politics, science, or even what constitutes a healthy relationship. This isn’t just academic navel-gazing—it’s a seismic shift that’s left us all a bit wobblier.
How This Affects Couple Life
In the context of couple life, the move away from common sense realism has made things trickier. Relationships thrive on clarity—knowing where you stand, what you value, and what you expect from each other. But when everything’s up for debate, couples can get stuck in endless negotiations. Is fidelity a universal expectation, or is it just “one perspective”? Postmodernism’s influence makes these questions harder to answer.
- Communication breakdowns: Without shared truths, couples struggle to find common ground.
- Trust erosion: Subjective truths make it harder to rely on a partner’s commitments.
- Overthinking values: Simple principles like respect get overcomplicated.
I’ve noticed this in conversations with couples navigating modern relationships. One partner might say, “I just want honesty,” while the other questions what “honesty” even means. It’s exhausting, and it’s a direct result of a culture that’s lost its grip on self-evident truths.
The Role of Progressive Ideologies
It’s not just postmodernism at play. Many universities have embraced progressive ideologies that often reject the principles of America’s founding. These ideologies can teach students to see traditional values—like the nuclear family or mutual accountability—as outdated or oppressive. In couple life, this translates to skepticism about long-term commitment or traditional roles, which can destabilize relationships.
Don’t get me wrong—questioning norms can be healthy. But when it’s paired with a rejection of truth itself, it leaves couples floating in a sea of uncertainty. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this mindset trickles down to everyday interactions, making it harder to build lasting bonds.
Relationships need a foundation of trust, not a maze of endless debates.
– Relationship counselor
Can We Reclaim Common Sense?
Is it possible to bring back a sense of shared reality? I think so, but it won’t be easy. Universities could start by reintroducing students to the idea that some truths don’t need a thesis to prove them. In relationships, this might mean rediscovering simple principles like mutual respect or clear communication. It’s not about going backward—it’s about grounding ourselves in what works.
Relationship Success Formula: 50% Clear Communication 30% Shared Values 20% Mutual Effort
For couples, this could look like setting clear expectations early on or agreeing on what “commitment” means to both partners. It’s not about rigid rules but about finding a common language that both can trust. In my experience, couples who anchor themselves in shared truths—however simple—tend to weather storms better.
What’s Next for Society?
The shift in academia isn’t just a university problem—it’s a societal one. If we keep teaching that truth is relative, we’ll see more division, not just in politics but in personal lives. Couples, communities, and even nations thrive when there’s a shared sense of reality. Without it, we’re just shouting into the void.
Maybe it’s time to revisit the wisdom of the past—not out of nostalgia, but because it worked. Common sense realism gave us a foundation for building strong relationships and a strong society. Perhaps by reclaiming it, we can find our way back to a world where truth isn’t just a debate but a starting point.
As I reflect on this, I can’t help but wonder: what would happen if we taught the next generation to trust their common sense again? It’s a question worth asking, not just for universities but for every couple trying to build a life together in a world that feels increasingly unmoored.
