On Intuition
When RG refers in his writings to Intuition, he only aims at what the Medieval metaphysicians called the "intellectual Intuition" or the "pure intellect"[1], and not the very basic and very limited "sensitive intuition" (intuition[2] by the senses) of modern philosophy, a [kind of] "receptiveness" which, by the way, is vigorously criticized by his pen. This Intuition to which Guénon is refering, possesses - according to metaphysical tradition - an immediate and direct knowledge of the [immutable and permanent] principles.
What more is true about the intellect is, as reminds us RG, "because it is necessarily never failing, in the same way as its operation is immediate, and as it is not really distinct from its object, it becomes one with Truth itself. This is the essential foundation of metaphysical certainty." [3]
[1] pure intellect: or superior intellect; pertaining to informal manifestation, it goes beyond human individuality and of any individual state whatsoever. That is why it is a transcendent principle.
[2] intuition: the immediate perception or understanding of truths, facts, or events, without reasoning; a truth, fact, or event perceived or understood immediately and without reasoning. World Book Dict.
[3] From 'Le Dictionnaire de René Guénon', Jean-Mark Vivenza, abbrev. DRG223, p. 223
More Texts And Explanations:
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creation
dualism
freedom of thought
his personal traits
index
individuality
initiation
intellect
intelligence
intuition
Islamic tradition
knowledge
metaphysical zero
metaphysics
metaphysics 2
modernity
mysticism
non-being
non-duality
religion
revelation
rites
role of spiritual master
sentimental
The Source - the Supreme Center
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spiritual
sunnah
symbolism
tasawwuf
the end of time
tolerance
tradition
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2006-05-03