intuitionism

[ in-too-ish-uh-niz-uhm, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. Ethics. the doctrine that moral values and duties can be discerned directly.
2. Metaphysics.
   1. the doctrine that in perception external objects are given immediately, without the intervention of a representative idea.
   2. the doctrine that knowledge rests upon axiomatic truths discerned directly.
3. Logic, Mathematics. the doctrine, propounded by L. E. J. Brouwer, that a mathematical object is considered to exist only if a method for constructing it can be given.

intuitionism

/ ˌɪntjʊˈɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. in ethics
   1. the doctrine that there are moral truths discoverable by intuition
   2. the doctrine that there is no single principle by which to resolve conflicts between intuited moral rules See also deontological
2. See Platonism, nominalism
   philosophy the theory that general terms are used of a variety of objects in accordance with perceived similarities Compare nominalism Platonism
3. logic the doctrine that logical axioms rest on prior intuitions concerning time, negation, and provability
4. 1. the theory that mathematics cannot intelligibly comprehend the properties of infinite sets, and that only what can be shown to be provable can be justifiably asserted
   2. the reconstruction of mathematics or logic in accordance with this view Compare formalism logicism finitism
5. the doctrine that knowledge, esp of the external world, is acquired by intuition

Derived Forms

• ˌintuˈitionist, noun

Other Words From

• intu·ition·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intuitionism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; intuition + -ism

Example Sentences

We find him quoted with approval by Clarke, who is commonly taken to represent Intuitionism in an extreme form.

From Project Gutenberg

On this view, which I may distinguish as sthetic Intuitionism, I shall have something to say hereafter.

From Project Gutenberg

The wider of the two meanings of Intuition here distinguished is required in treating of Philosophical Intuitionism.

From Project Gutenberg

Dewey's criticism of intuitionism scarcely does justice to that method, whatever may be its inherent weakness.

From Project Gutenberg

It attempts thus to supplant both egoism and intuitionism by the same doctrine of the organic union between individuals.

From Project Gutenberg