more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 23957

[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 2. Intuition ]

Full Idea

We trust certain rational 'intuitions' in ourselves which dispense with reflection but seem to follow an indisputable logic. (note: it is thought ineffable because reflection is the paradigm of rationality. It is no less rational than reflection).

Gist of Idea

We often trust our intuitions as rational, despite their lack of reflection

Source

Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], 6.4)

Book Ref

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.182


A Reaction

[compressed] Solomon uses the example to support that emotion is part of rationality. Since this view of intuition is more or less mine (that intuition can be knowledge, when the justification is obscure), it seems to support his claim.


The 26 ideas from 'The Passions'

Philosophy is creating an intellectual conceptual structure for life [Solomon]
Distinguishing reason from passion is based on an archaic 'faculty' theory [Solomon]
Reason is actually passions, guided by perspicacious reflection [Solomon]
Emotions are our life force, and the source of most of our values [Solomon]
The passions are subjective, concerning what is important to me, rather than facts [Solomon]
Emotions are strategies for maximising our sense of dignity and self-esteem [Solomon]
It is only our passions which give our lives meaning [Solomon]
It is reason which needs the anchorage of passions, rather than vice versa [Solomon]
'Absurdity' is just the result of our wrong choices in life [Solomon]
Dividing ourselves into confrontational reason and passion destroys our harmonious whole [Solomon]
Passions exist as emotions, moods and desires, which all generate meaning [Solomon]
Wisdom needs both thought and passion, with each reflecting on the other [Solomon]
I say bodily chemistry and its sensations have nothing to do with emotions [Solomon]
Feeling is a superficial aspect of emotion, and may be indeterminate, or even absent [Solomon]
Emotions are judgements about ourselves, and our place in the world [Solomon]
Ideologies are mythologies which guide our actions [Solomon]
The supposed irrationality of our emotions is often tactless or faulty expression of them [Solomon]
The Myth of the Passions says they are irrational, uncontrolled and damaging [Solomon]
We often trust our intuitions as rational, despite their lack of reflection [Solomon]
Some emotions are externally directed, others internally [Solomon]
Which emotions we feel depends on our sense of our own powers [Solomon]
Emotions are defined by their objects [Solomon]
The heart of an emotion is its judgement of values and morality [Solomon]
Lovers adopt the interests of their beloved, rather than just valuing them [Solomon]
Emotions can be analysed under fifteen headings [Solomon]
There are no 'basic' emotions, only socially prevalent ones [Solomon]