Flow and intuition: a systems neuroscience comparison
Neuroscience of Consciousness January 4, 2025 S. Kotler, D. Parvizi-Wayne, Michael Mannino et al.
Flow and intuition are both rooted in nonconscious information processing but differ in their roles in action and cognition. Intuition is a rapid, nonconscious decision-making process, while flow enables optimal cognitive control and performance without conscious deliberation. Using a revised dual-processing framework and an active inference perspective, the authors reconcile the paradox of enhanced intuition during flow—a state of heightened cognitive control. The account advances understanding of human cognition and consciousness and raises questions for future research on harnessing flow and intuition to improve performance and wellbeing.