Intuition - Origin and Definition

[TomasM]

The Brain, Feelings, and TIntS Intuition Types

I'm going to attempt to map the brain regions for different types of intuition identified by TIntS (Inferential, Holistic, and Affective). By narrowing down these functional areas it should start to become clearer how intuition is operating with relation to the body and mind. To start I have identified a video that provides some information related to how we experience "feelings," and what portion of the brain is used when processing these mental (rather than physical) states. Each type of intuition will utilize different parts of the brain, but I think (and hope), that we will see some centralized brain regions that ultimately consolidate all of the inputs (like a funnel) and then provides us with awareness, conscious explanation, and ultimately choice.

This video communicates that there are many areas of the brain used in the production of feelings with the Insular Cortex providing somewhat of a consolidation area that works in harmony with other regions of the brain. It's not a long video and is actually quite palatable and interesting.

Sources used by the video creator:

• Craig, A. D. (2016). Interoception and Emotion: A neuroanatomical perspective. In L. F. Barrett, M. Lewis, & J. M. Haviland-Jones (Eds.), Handbook of Emotions (4th ed., pp. 215–234). essay, Guilford Press.
• Damasio, A. (2019). The strange order of things: Life, feeling, and the making of cultures. Vintage.
• Barrett, L. F. (2017). How emotions are made: The secret life of the brain. Pan Macmillan.
• Panksepp, J., & Biven, L. (2012). The archaeology of mind: neuroevolutionary origins of human emotions (Norton series on interpersonal neurobiology). WW Norton & Company.

 

[meowzician]

@TomasM

1) What exactly is intuition and how accurate is it?
Intuition is using analogy or spotting patterns to solve problems. Sometimes it's conscious. But usually its unconscious. You get the sensation there is a patter, but you can't quite put your finger on it.

2) Is intuition derived from both genetic and environmental factors and to what extent does each contribute?
Yes. Like so many things, we are born with a given range. Where we fall within that range is due to environment, including things like practice, the tendency to collect scads of data, etc.

3) Since it is a dichotomy does intuition extend itself from a deficiency in sensory function or is it an extra-sensory state of its own?
I'm not sure that either is true. I think it is simply a natural talent that can be honed.

4) Can intuition be developed?
Yes, but only to a point. When you reach the top of your genetic range, that's it.

5) What value is there in having and/or developing intuition?
Intuition has evolved because it helps us stay alive long enough to procreate. Ever intuit that the person you just met is dangerous? It's a good idea to pay attention to that intuition. You are unconsciously picking up on things like body language, micro expressions, and tone of voice--things that DO indicate they are probably a danger.

6) Is there a downside in having and/or developing intuition?
Intuiters for some reason rarely have the intuition that their intuition is not always reliable. Intuition is a great starting place. But it's nice when it's backed up by evidence or reasoning. Any unproven intuition should always be red flagged as possibly wrong, even if your intuition is especially good. You are noto psychic.

7) Are there other functions or abilities that branch off of a developed intuitive?
I'm not sure. Maybe creativity? The ability to anticipate consequences?

 

[ErikAlberto]

I don’t have anything that I feel led to add to what you’ve had to say about intuition, but I did want to give you more than just a like.

You’ve put an extraordinary amount of effort, energy, and research into articulating your thoughts about intuition. These are not only well thought out, but quite simply good and worth having verbalized.

Although intuition as a cognitive function is my natural habitat, understanding and categorizing what it is, how it works, and so forth is something I find very difficult to do. Your post has been interesting to read and helpful in my own attempts to find language for my natural habitat—both for myself and in communicating it to others.

 

[TomasM]

I don’t have anything that I feel led to add to what you’ve had to say about intuition, but I did want to give you more than just a like.

You’ve put an extraordinary amount of effort, energy, and research into articulating your thoughts about intuition. These are not only well thought out, but quite simply good and worth having verbalized.

Although intuition as a cognitive function is my natural habitat, understanding and categorizing what it is, how it works, and so forth is something I find very difficult to do. Your post has been interesting to read and helpful in my own attempts to find language for my natural habitat—both for myself and in communicating it to others.

Thank you @ErikAlberto

When dealing with the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind, there are so many topics that start becoming relevant. There are elements of intuition that are situated in a grey area where NDEs, OBEs, dreams, telepathy, and science are all positioned right next to a veil that can’t scientifically be crossed. However, we are starting to get some evidence that allows us to see the fringe of intuition with science. Every puzzle piece may be obscure but collectively an image is starting to take form.

I appreciate the support.