In this publication, two classic authors in contemporary social theory, John Dewey and Clifford Geertz, offer their – largely supplementary insights – on the phenomenon of common sense. Dewey focuses on the differences that exist between common sense and science and argues that it is impossible to defend any kind of sharp distinction in this regard. According to Dewey, their relationship should be considered as a form of transactions through which both types of knowledge continuously change each other. On the other hand, Geertz seeks to understand common sense as an element of the cultural system. In his view, this form of knowledge does not only concern practical insights, but it is able to set the limits of the possible and of the morally permissible on a metaphysical level – which ultimately means that the comparative method is extremely important in any effort to understand the key characteristics of common-sensical thinking.