What Is Intuitive Knowledge?

 

 

Intuitive knowledge is knowledge that appears automatically, without the need for analysis, reflection or direct experience. Because it cannot be obtained in any of these ways, it is considered to come from an independent source, which is usually associated with the subconscious mind.

The word “intuition” comes from the Latin term intueri, which can mean “to consider” or “to contemplate.” This phenomenon has been studied since the time of ancient Greece, and some philosophers, such as Plato or Aristotle, were already talking about intuitive knowledge and considered it fundamental to our daily experience.

In more recent times, the study of intuitive knowledge has fallen to disciplines such as psychology. Especially since the emergence of the cognitive branch of this science, numerous investigations have been carried out to try to understand how this phenomenon works.

Characteristics of intuitive knowledge

• The most important characteristic of intuitive knowledge is that it is a phenomenon that is not related to our rational mind. On the contrary, their products are created by our unconscious mind. We are able to voluntarily access the results of this process, but we do not understand how they have been formed.
• Another of the most relevant characteristics of intuitive knowledge is that, unlike other forms of wisdom, it does not require a process to appear. Rather, it arises suddenly, in a way that is not under our control.
• In this sense, intuitive knowledge would be related to the insight process. In both cases, we are only aware of the result of information processing, but we are not able to access the process by which it was created or study it rationally.
• The vast majority of the time, the products of intuitive knowledge provoke a specific emotional state in the person who experiences it. Thus, for example, an individual may feel uncomfortable in front of someone they have just met, and they would not know why; or a person could be alerted in a dangerous situation automatically.
• Related to the previous point is the fact that intuitive knowledge never expresses its results through words. On the contrary, when we experience this phenomenon, what we have are sensations and emotions that lead us to act in a certain way. For example, a professional wrestler knows when his opponent is about to throw a punch, but could not explain in words the process that led him to develop that conclusion. The same thing happens when we are able to recognize a facial expression, or detect if we are being lied to or not.
• At first glance, intuitive knowledge may seem very simple to us. This is because we do not have to make a conscious effort to, for example, know if someone is angry or happy or to intuit where a ball is going to land when it is thrown to us. However, recent studies show that these processes are actually very complicated.
• Part of intuitive knowledge has to do with the accumulation of data in similar situations. When we have a lot of experience in a specific aspect of our life, intuitive knowledge is more likely to arise.
• Many researchers consider that this type of knowledge is what differentiates experts in a discipline from those who have not yet achieved mastery. The experts, by facing the same problems over and over again, would have accumulated a great deal of experience in their field.
• Due to its emotional and non-verbal nature, intuitive knowledge has no relationship to theory or reason. On the contrary, their products are aimed at helping us make decisions, change our behavior, avoid dangers and, ultimately, improve our situation.

What is intuitive knowledge for?

Intuitive knowledge, like all phenomena associated with the most primitive parts of our brain, is associated with an improved capacity for survival and replication in our species. Thus, the majority of situations in which it appears have to do either with our physical well-being or with our relationships with others.

 

On the other hand, the intuitive knowledge associated with experience is slightly different. Rather than being directly related to survival or reproduction, its role is to save cognitive resources when we are constantly faced with similar situations.

Types of intuitive knowledge

Emotional intuitive thinking

This type of intuitive knowledge has to do with the ability to detect emotional states in other people, as well as certain traits of their personality or way of being.

Rational intuitive thinking

This is the version of intuitive knowledge that helps us solve an immediate problem or deal with a specific situation. It is closely related to expert knowledge, and can be seen, for example, in athletes, or in those who constantly experience risky situations.

Psychic Intuitive Thinking

This type of intuition has to do with the ability to choose a path to overcome a long-term difficulty, such as, for example, to make a decision that will affect one’s work or romantic future.

Other types of intuitions

In some cultures and currents, both philosophical and psychological, we sometimes talk about other types of intuitions that would not fall within any of the categories we have just seen. Thus, we could find, for example, the insights, or the states of enlightenment of the Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Examples of intuitive knowledge

• The ability to detect the emotional state of a person with whom we usually interact, just by listening to their tone of voice or seeing their facial expression.
• The ability to know where a ball is going to land when it is thrown to us and being able to catch it in flight.
• The ability of a firefighter who has been working in his field for many years to detect if a structure is about to collapse due to flames.
• Our innate ability to detect if someone is lying to us or if they are being honest.
• A farmer knows intuitively whether a land is arable or not.
• A very experienced doctor intuitively knows if a patient has a certain disease.

Intuitive knowledge vs knowledge based on reason

Intuitive knowledge and knowledge based on reason represent two distinct approaches to understanding the world, each with its own set of strengths and limitations. Intuitive knowledge relies on a deep, instinctual understanding that often transcends conscious thought. It involves a sense of knowing without explicit, logical reasoning. This form of knowledge is subjective, rooted in personal experiences, emotions, and gut feelings. Intuition can be a powerful guide, offering quick insights and creative solutions, but it may lack the precision and reliability associated with reasoned knowledge.

On the other hand, knowledge based on reason is built upon logic, analysis, and evidence. It follows a systematic and structured approach, often requiring conscious thought and critical evaluation. This type of knowledge is objective, aiming for accuracy and consistency. Reasoned knowledge is essential for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and building a foundation of understanding. However, it may overlook subtle nuances and fail to capture the complexity of certain phenomena that intuitive knowledge can grasp.

Ultimately, a harmonious balance between intuitive knowledge and reason can lead to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the world. Embracing both approaches allows individuals to navigate the complexities of life, combining the strengths of intuition’s spontaneity with reason’s systematic rigor.