How did common sense fit into Giambattista Vico’s theory of education?

In the educational theory of Giambattista Vico, common sense serves as a vital foundation for developing a young person's mental powers before they are introduced to formal logic.1

Vico argued against the Cartesian approach of prioritizing logic early in the educational process, which he believed forced children to make judgments without the necessary background knowledge. Instead, he advocated for an approach that nourishes the memory and imagination through the study of languages, poets, historians, and orators.1

In this context, common sense is acquired through the experience of these figures and people of prudence. It teaches students the importance of working with probabilities, providing the practical judgment required before they can effectively engage in logical reasoning. By emphasizing common sense, Vico aimed to align education with the natural development of the human mind, ensuring that students possess the requisite knowledge and maturity before attempting to apply rigorous logical systems.1