Official knowledge

Official knowledge refers to information verified and approved by an authoritative source or organisation that is part of the dominant cultural, social or political class, as proposed by Micheal Apple.


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The phrase "history is a lie agreed upon" is commonly attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. It suggests that history is often a constructed narrative shaped by consensus rather than an objective truth. This quote was recorded by Count de Las Cases during Napoleon's exile on St. Helena on November 20, 1816. Variations of the quote include "history is a set of lies agreed upon" and it has also been linked to other figures like Voltaire. This perspective challenges the conventional view of history as a reliable account of past events.


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common sense

Common sense is the ability to think about things in a practical way and make sensible decisions. It represents the basic level of sound practical judgment or knowledge of basic facts that any adult human being ought to possess.