Rational Theory of Intuition and Its Epistemological Consequences

Abstract

This chapter explains and develops the Rational Theory of Intuition introduced in (Wierzbicki 1992, 1997). After preliminary comments, it is organized as follows. We introduce the basis of the discussion by evaluating the relative complexity of processing visual and verbal information and by proposing a certain dual thought experiment; we proceed then to the evolutionary rational definition of intuition and discuss the validation of this definition. The consequences of the dual thought experiment and of this definition concern the role of language and tradition in the evolution of human civilization as well as the limitations of language. Further, we discuss the heritage of human civilization, its constitutive parts and the epistemological consequences: the problem of truth and objectivity, the problem of creativity. We characterize types of intuitive decisions in more detail and discuss intuitive creation processes. Then we proceed to the relation of Western thought to Far East philosophy and epistemological theories, the relation to psychology of subconscious and unconscious and finish by discussing some practical aspects of intuition.