What does intuitionism mean?
Intuitionism is a philosophical term for theories that give immediate intuition a foundational role in human knowledge. Its best-known form is mathematical intuitionism, developed principally by the Dutch mathematician L. E. J. Brouwer. In this approach, mathematics is understood as the construction of mathematical objects through the mind, rather than the discovery of objects that exist independently of mathematicians. Mathematical intuitionism consequently rejects certain classical principles, notably the unrestricted law of excluded middles, in favour of constructive reasoning. Related forms of intuitionism appear in epistemology and ethics, where intuition functions as a source of knowledge or moral understanding. In ordinary speech, intuition may simply mean a hunch or immediate insight, but intuitionism is more precise and intellectually demanding: it names a theory about how knowledge or justification should be grounded. The word is therefore especially useful when discussing constructive mathematics, philosophical foundationalism, and the status of non-inferential reasoning.
nounIntuitionism is a family of philosophical doctrines that gives immediate intuition a foundational role in knowledge, mathematics, or moral judgment. In mathematics, particularly in the tradition associated with L. E. J. Brouwer, it treats mathematical objects as constructions rather than independently existing entities.
- In the philosophy of mathematics, the foundational program associated especially with Brouwer, according to which mathematics proceeds through intuitive constructions and proof does not rely on classical principles such as the law of excluded middles.
- In epistemology, the view that some knowledge is acquired through immediate intuition rather than solely through inference or empirical evidence.
- In ethics, the view that moral knowledge or moral justification is grounded in intuition, as developed in forms of ethical intuitionism.
"Brouwer's intuitionism reshaped the foundations of mathematics by making constructive intuition central to mathematical reasoning."
"Mathematical intuitionism rejects the classical assumption that every proposition must be either true or false within a completed mathematical system."
"Her ethical intuitionism treats certain moral judgments as evident without requiring them to be deduced from a general rule."
This plural is rare and normally refers to distinct theories or varieties of intuitionism.
"Different intuitionisms disagree about whether intuition grounds mathematical, epistemic, or moral knowledge."
In Brouwer's intuitionism, mathematics begins with constructions of the mind rather than the discovery of independently existing objects.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intuitionism come from?
Intuitionism was formed in English from intuition and the suffix -ism, a grammatical element ultimately associated with Greek -ismos. Intuition itself comes through French from Latin intuitio, a noun derived from intueri, meaning to look at or consider. The suffix '-ism' was used to identify a characteristic doctrine or system of thought, and philosophical intuitionisms developed during the modern period as distinct theories assigned a foundational role to intuition.
Related word forms
How intuitionism is actually used
The term is formal and predominantly specialist, with mathematical intuitionism being its most established modern use. It is usually more specific than an everyday appeal to intuition and should not be treated as simply another word for instinctive insight.
Easily confused with intuitionism
Intuition is an insight or faculty of apprehension, whereas intuitionism is a philosophical doctrine that assigns foundational importance to such insight.