The Neurobiology of Intuition

Intuition is a form of cognition in which many variables are rapidly evaluated in
parallel and compressed into a single dimension. This compression facilitates fast
decision-making. Typically we are not aware of the logical steps or assumptions
underlying the process although intuition is based on experience-dependent probabilistic
models. Instead we experience the intuitive process as visceral sensations (gut
feelings). Intuition operates largely in the social domain but can also be applied to
purely physical situations. Intuition is plastic; is is not instinct, although
instinctive feelings may contribute to it. The Von Economo neurons (VENs) are a
recently evolved cell type which may be involved in the fast intuitive assessment of
complex situations. They may be part of the circuitry supporting human social networks.
We propose that the VENs relay an output of fronto-insular and anterior cingulate cortex
to the parts of frontal and temporal cortex where fast intuitions are melded with slower,
deliberative judgments. The VENs emerge mainly after birth and may be particularly
vulnerable to dysfunction.