• Philosophy -> Epistemology and Theory of Knowledge

• 0 Comment

How does intuition fit into established epistemological theories of knowledge?

Karin Legate

Intuition has been a controversial topic in the world of epistemology. For many years, it was regarded as a mystical phenomenon that can't be accounted for, but in recent times, many epistemological theories have tried to explain intuition.

Intuition is often understood as a type of cognitive activity that occurs without conscious reasoning or awareness, and it is a way of knowing that doesn't follow a logical or systematic process. Intuition is a way of knowing that is instinctive and at times automatic. It is a quick way of making decisions, allowing individuals to rely on hunches or gut feelings rather than relying on facts or evidence.

Epistemological theories of knowledge have traditionally focused on reason and evidence as the basis for knowledge. However, the rise of intuition-based knowledge has caused some epistemologists to re-evaluate their theories. One such theory is the Reliabilist theory of knowledge. According to this theory, knowledge can be acquired through any means that are reliable. Therefore, if intuition is found to be a reliable means of acquiring knowledge, then it is knowledge, as per this theory.

Furthermore, some epistemologists have suggested that intuition is not a separate way of knowing, but rather an implicit form of knowledge that is grounded in past experiences. Often, when we say that we "just feel" something to be true, it is because our unconscious mind has processed a vast amount of information that we aren't aware of consciously, leading to that feeling. This theory is known as tacit knowledge, and it suggests that knowledge can exist in a non-conscious state.

Another theory that tries to explain intuition is the Virtue Epistemology theory proposed by Ernest Sosa. According to this theory, intuition is a form of perception, which can be both reliable and unrelied. Sosa posits that the level of difficulty of a task affects the reliability of one's intuition. In simpler tasks, intuitions may be more reliable, but in more complex tasks, intuition may not be the best way to acquire knowledge.

In conclusion, intuition can fit into established epistemological theories by either viewing it as a reliable way of acquiring knowledge in itself, or as a form of implicit knowledge acquired through experience or as a form of perception. Despite the controversy surrounding the concept of intuition, it is clear that it plays an important role in decision making and problem-solving, and therefore, requires further studies in the field of epistemology.