Judgement, Common Sense and Discernment: Contributions from Humanistic Thinking to the Social Professions

Abstract

This paper reviews definitions and usage of judgement and common sense as time-tested criteria in decision-making. It looks at how scholars in different disciplines and professions have approached judgement and professional wisdom, (to include tacit knowledge and common sense). It advocates teaching, reflecting and dialoguing on ethical principles and the incorporation of the classical virtues in discussions to increase social workers and other professionals’ full understanding of the complex meaning of these terms. The paper does not advocate any single approach to decision-making and acknowledges the quandaries of professionals.  However, the paper builds the case that practitioners and academics can use good judgement to enhance, not abandon, their commitment to fairness and justice. Professionals, in the sense of those who belong to a discourse tradition (MacIntyre, 1984), can successfully overcome prejudicial assumptions relying on discernment developed through study, reflection and lived experiences. Finally, it is acknowledged that social work policies and practice parameters are reliant on ethical and legal frameworks. Philosophic and legal reasoning discourses are discussed as offering worthwhile perspectives. The paper strives to draw on the humanistic and multidisciplinary approaches to «knowing» to enhance the wisdom upon which the all human professions build.