Flow and intuition: a systems neuroscience comparison
S. Kotler, D. Parvizi-Wayne, Michael Mannino, K. Friston
Neuroscience of Consciousness January 4, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niae040 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractFlow 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Intuition serves as rapid nonconscious decision-making, while flow facilitates this process in action to achieve optimal cognitive control without conscious deliberation. |
Abstract
Abstract This paper explores the relationship between intuition and flow from a neurodynamics perspective. Flow and intuition represent two cognitive phenomena rooted in nonconscious information processing; however, there are clear differences in both their phenomenal characteristics and, more broadly, their contribution to action and cognition. We propose, extrapolating from dual processing theory, that intuition serves as a rapid, nonconscious decision-making process, while flow facilitates this process in action, achieving optimal cognitive control and performance without [conscious] deliberation. By exploring these points of convergence between flow and intuition, we also attempt to reconcile the apparent paradox of the presence of enhanced intuition in flow, which is also a state of heightened cognitive control. To do so, we utilize a revised dual-processing framework, which allows us to productively align and differentiate flow and intuition (including intuition in flow). Furthermore, we draw on recent work examining flow from an active inference perspective. Our account not only heightens understanding of human cognition and consciousness, but also raises new questions for future research, aiming to deepen our comprehension of how flow and intuition can be harnessed to elevate human performance and wellbeing.