intuitio

Intuitio is a term used in philosophy and cognitive science to denote the immediate, non-discursive grasp of a truth or pattern. The word derives from Latin intuitio, meaning a looking at or insight, from intueri, to look at or behold. In medieval scholasticism, intuitio described a direct apprehension of a proposition or principle, often contrasted with demonstration or syllogistic reasoning.

In modern discussions, intuitio is used to refer to tacit or pre-reflective knowledge that guides judgment without conscious deliberation. It is a subject of study in epistemology and cognitive psychology, particularly within dual-process accounts of cognition that distinguish fast, automatic intuitive processes from slower, deliberate reasoning. While intuitio is associated with quick pattern recognition and expertise, scholars emphasize that intuitive judgments can be reliable in some domains and biased in others, depending on experience and context.

In applied contexts, intuitio-like insights influence fields such as design thinking, user experience research, and decision support, where rapid, holistic assessments can complement analytic methods. The term also appears as a brand or project name in various tech ventures, though these uses are independent of the philosophical concept.

See also: Intuition, Intuitionism, Pattern recognition, Epistemology.

Further reading: Standard texts on epistemology and cognitive psychology discuss intuitive knowledge, tacit knowledge, and dual-process theory.