---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Intuitive cognition of a thing is…"
description: "\"Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables us to know whether the thing exists or does not exist, in such a way that, if the thing exists..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccc/william-of-ockham-23662_cognition_intuitive-cognition-of-a-thing-is-cognit_475238.jpg"
---

#  Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables…

![“Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables us to know whether the thing exists or does not exist, in such a way that, if the thing exists, then the intellect immediately judges that it exists and evidently knows that it exists, unless the judgment happens to be impeded through the…” quote by William of Ockham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccc/william-of-ockham-23662_cognition_intuitive-cognition-of-a-thing-is-cognit_475238.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccc/william-of-ockham-23662_cognition_intuitive-cognition-of-a-thing-is-cognit_475238.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccc/william-of-ockham-23662_cognition_intuitive-cognition-of-a-thing-is-cognit_475238.jpg)

> “Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables us to know whether the thing exists or does not exist, in such a way that, if the thing exists, then the intellect immediately judges that it exists and evidently knows that it exists, unless the judgment happens to be impeded through the imperfection of this cognition.”

[William of Ockham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-of-ockham/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The mind can instantly recognize the existence of something unless its perception is flawed.

**In simple terms:** Immediate recognition of existence unless cognition is imperfect.

Key Takeaway

Trust clear, direct perception.

Themes

knowledge perception logic

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical epistemic

When to use this quote

- scientific observation
- everyday decision making
- critical analysis
- philosophical debate

Key Concepts

epistemology ontological certainty

Questions to Reflect On

- How do we verify that our perception is not impaired?
- When should we doubt immediate judgments?

A Different Perspective

Imperfect cognition can lead to false certainty.

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