1. the theory that moral principles are known directly through intuition rather than through reasoning or experience
Usage: philosophy
2. a mathematical philosophy that accepts only constructive proofs and rejects the law of excluded middle
Usage: mathematics; logic
3. the belief that knowledge comes primarily through intuitive insight rather than empirical observation or logical reasoning
Usage: epistemology

Examples

• The philosopher defended intuitionism as a valid approach to moral reasoning.
• Mathematical intuitionism rejects proofs that rely on the principle of excluded middle.
• Her intuitionism led her to trust her gut feelings over statistical analysis.
• The debate between intuitionism and utilitarianism continues in ethics courses.
• Brouwer’s intuitionism revolutionized how mathematicians think about existence proofs.
• Critics argue that intuitionism lacks the rigor needed for scientific inquiry.