Intuitio
Intuitio
A term generally employed by Spinoza in a more technical sense than that found in the Cartesian philosophy (see Reg. ad Dir. Ing., III). It is primarily used by Spinoza in connection with “scientia intuitiva” or knowledge “of the third kind” (Ethica, II, 40, Schol. 2). Intuition of this sort is absolutely certain and infallible, in contrast to reason (ratio, q.v.), it produces the highest peace and virtue of the mind (Ibid, V, 25 and 27). Also, as over against ratio, it yields an adequate knowledge of the essence of things, and thus enables us to know and love God, through which knowledge (Ibid, V, 39) the greater part of our mind is rendered eternal. — W.S.W.