intuitivism

A philosopher explains intuitivism to a student during a lecture.

Definition

1. Noun (Philosophy):
   • Intuitionism: "Intuitivism" is a philosophical doctrine that holds that fundamental truths, especially in ethics and mathematics, are known directly through intuition rather than through reasoning or empirical evidence. It emphasizes the role of immediate, self-evident knowledge.

Usage Examples

• (Intuitivism as a basis for ethical knowledge.)
• (Intuitivism applied to mathematical foundations.)

Advanced Usage

• "ethical intuitivism": a specific branch of intuitivism focusing on moral knowledge.

  • Ethical intuitivism claims that we directly perceive the goodness of an action, much like we perceive the color red. (A comparison highlighting direct moral awareness.)

• "mathematical intuitivism": a version of intuitionism that restricts mathematical objects to those constructible by the mind.

  • Mathematical intuitivism avoids the law of excluded middle in infinite contexts. (A technical application in philosophy of mathematics.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intuitionist (n): a person who supports intuitivism.

  • As an intuitionist, she believed that moral facts are self-evident. (A follower of the doctrine.)

• Intuitive (adj): based on intuition rather than reason.

  • His intuitive understanding of the problem was remarkable. (Relating to direct insight.)

Synonyms

• Intuitionism: a synonym often used interchangeably, especially in philosophy.
• Direct realism: a related view that knowledge comes directly from perception.

Related Idioms

• "Gut feeling": an informal phrase for intuitive knowledge.

  • She had a gut feeling that the decision was wrong. (A non-technical way to express intuitive awareness.)

• "Sixth sense": a supposed ability to perceive things beyond the five senses.

  • He seemed to have a sixth sense for danger. (A metaphor for intuition.)