HPS350H1

Intuitions and Emotions in Scientific Reasoning

Einstein allegedly said that the intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. Yet, intuitive thinking is often treated with suspicion and considered unreliable, requiring a high degree of caution. We will explore various conceptions of intuitive thinking and emotions, and different perspectives on their roles in scientific reasoning and knowledge production. We shall compare the mainstream epistemological frameworks, which severely marginalize the role that intuitive thinking and emotions could play in scientific reasoning, with epistemological frameworks that place intuitive thinking and emotions at the center of scientific reasoning. We shall also consider whether AI could simulate intuitive thinking and emotional intelligence. Students will have the opportunity to learn about perspectives on scientific knowledge that are aligned with the history of science yet largely missing from the philosophical literature. Thus, they will develop their critical thinking and gain competency in reading, research, and writing.