Common Sense: A Political History
(Harvard University Press) This book explores the political phenomenon of common sense — the wisdom of ordinary people — beginning with the aftermath of England’s Glorious Revolution. Rosenfeld demonstrates that common sense has been used to foster demagoguery and exclusivity as well as popular sovereignty. Rosenfeld is an associate professor of history at the University of Virginia.

Paw in print
Image

The Latest Issue
October 2025
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott ’92; President Eisgruber ’83 defends higher ed; Julia Ioffe ’05 explains Russia.