intuitionalism

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Philosophical doctrine: "intuitionalism" (also known as intuitionism) is a philosophical theory asserting that basic truths, especially in ethics or mathematics, are known directly through intuition rather than through reason or empirical evidence.
    • Epistemological stance: It holds that certain fundamental principles or moral obligations are self-evident and can be apprehended by the mind without logical deduction.
Usage Examples
  • (The theory that moral knowledge comes from immediate intuition.)
  • (The philosophical view that mathematical truths are known intuitively.)
  • (A doctrine emphasizing direct, non-inferential knowledge.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Intuitionalism vs. empiricism": a common philosophical debate where intuitionalism relies on innate knowledge, while empiricism depends on sensory experience.

    • The conflict between intuitionalism and empiricism shaped much of early 20th-century epistemology. (The two competing theories about the source of knowledge.)

  • "Intuitionalist ethics": a branch of moral philosophy that uses intuitionalism to justify moral judgments.

    • Intuitionalist ethics claims that moral intuitions are the foundation of right action. (An ethical system based on intuitive knowledge of good and evil.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Intuitionism (n): a variant of intuitionalism, often used interchangeably, especially in mathematics and ethics.

    • Intuitionism in mathematics rejects the law of excluded middle. (A specific form of intuitionalism applied to mathematical logic.)

  • Intuitionist (n): a person who advocates or follows intuitionalism.

    • As an intuitionist, she believed that moral truths are known instinctively. (A follower of the doctrine.)

  • Intuitive (adj): relating to or based on intuition; known directly without reasoning.

    • Her intuitive understanding of the problem was remarkable. (Understanding through immediate insight.)
Synonyms
  • Intuitionism: the more common term for the same philosophical doctrine.
  • Intuitivism: another synonym, though less frequently used.
  • Direct knowledge theory: a descriptive phrase for the belief that knowledge comes from immediate awareness.
Related Idioms

  • Follow one's gut: to act based on intuition rather than analysis.

    • In line with intuitionalism, she decided to follow her gut about the moral dilemma. (Acting on immediate, non-rational insight.)

  • A sixth sense: an intuitive power or perception beyond the five senses.

    • Intuitionalism suggests that a sixth sense allows us to grasp ethical truths. (A metaphorical way to describe intuitive knowledge.)