Intuitionism

Intuitionism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the role of intuition, rather than reason or observation, as a primary source of knowledge and moral judgment. In mathematics, it refers to a school of thought that rejects certain classical mathematical principles, like the law of the excluded middle, viewing mathematical objects as mental constructions and prioritizing the constructive proof of existence. In ethics, moral Intuitionism posits that moral truths are self-evident and known through a direct, intuitive grasp, and that moral judgments are based on our inherent ability to perceive right and wrong.

Intuitionism meaning with examples

• The mathematician's adherence to Intuitionism led them to question proofs relying on non-constructive methods, favoring approaches that built mathematical objects step-by-step. This stance altered their perspective of certain established theorems, forcing them to re-evaluate existing mathematical structures. This adherence challenged the dominant logical foundation.
• Some ethical intuitionists argue that the concept of moral 'good' is a simple, indefinable property, grasped directly through moral intuition; this differs greatly from ethical frameworks based on societal rules. They believe that attempting to define 'good' by something else, such as pleasure or utility, misses the fundamental nature of moral value, reducing the value of ethics.
• The artist's creative process, influenced by Intuitionism, involved allowing ideas to emerge spontaneously, eschewing rigid plans or external influences. They felt this method more readily gave rise to authentic and evocative pieces of work. Instead of the structured approach they are used to, it embraced the subconscious.
• In response to traditional empiricism, the philosopher championed Intuitionism, arguing that certain fundamental truths about reality are directly perceived by the mind rather than learned through sensory experience. This challenged the predominant empirical views of the era. It argued for a more direct pathway to knowledge.