In Unit 15 we point out the difficulty of defining intuition scientifically, we indicate the primary function of intuition and we present in brief Jung’s definition of the intuition function.

THE DIFFICULTY OF DEFINING INTUITION SCIENTIFICALLY

Jung explains the difficulty of defining intuition empirically as follows: “…the intuitive raises perception to the level of a differentiated function, by which he also achieves his adaptation to the world.  He adapts by means of unconscious directives, which he receives through an especially sensitive and sharpened perception and interpretation of dimly conscious stimuli.” (CW 6, par. 240)  He augments by saying: “To describe such a function is naturally very difficult on account of its irrational and quasi-unconscious character.” (Ibid. par. 240)  In intuition, writes Jung, “A content presents itself whole and complete, without our being able to explain or discover how this content came into existence.” (CW 6, par. 770) In a lecture Jung gave at the Tavistock Clinic in London in 1935 he says with regard to this aspect of intuition: “I do not know what is happening when a man knows something he definitely should not know.  I do not know how he has come by it, but he has it all right and he can act on it.” (CW. 18, par. 26)

Jung makes it clear that the process of intuitive perception cannot be explained in a rational way.  However, the end-product of this unconscious process ― the intuition ― is unquestionably definitive and thus provides the grounds on which the intuitive decides and acts.  The process by which it does so is irrational – it goes via our “unconscious, which possesses very much more subtle powers of perception and reconstruction than our conscious minds, and could … project a visionary picture of a psychic situation that excited it.” (CW 18, par. 781)

THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF INTUITION

Jung writes: “The primary function of intuition … is simply to transmit images, or perceptions of relations between things, which could not be transmitted by the other functions or only in a very roundabout way.  These images have the value of specific insights which have a decisive influence on action whenever intuition is given priority.  In this case, psychic adaptation will be grounded almost entirely on intuitions.” (CW 6, par. 611)

JUNG’S DEFINITION OF THE INTUITION FUNCTION

In Psychological Types Jung defines the intuition function as follows: “It is the [decision-making] function that mediates perceptions in an unconscious way.” (CW 6, par. 770)

ANALYTIC COMMENTARY 

Intuition is an independent psychological function and makes its own decisions.  The principle of Christopher Hitchens’ intuition is absolutely different from the principle of the thinking mindset of individuals like Dawkins, Dennett and Harris.  Thinking cannot make decisions which are based on accidental facts.  Thinking cannot be decisive on material that does not conform to law.  We can say that thinking is inadequate to relate and judge accidentals facts.  Thinking cannot decide on behalf of intuition.  Thinking cannot get beyond rationality and cannot produce any product that goes beyond reason. 

See Psychological Types for a comprehensive definition of intuition. (CW 6, par. 770-3)