Intuitive/Counterintuitive

Once upon a time, humans developed consciousness-and with consciousness came some frightening and difficult questions.

Why are we here? How do we stand the best chance of survival? What happens when our bodies get old and stop working?

To satisfy this need for answers, we evolved a trait called intuition: an instinctive, protective, first responder among thoughts that sets our minds at ease and makes the world seem a little bit less scary.

While the concepts of God, religion, and the soul are intuitive ones, the results of scientific thinking are usually considered counterintuitive-feeling "odd," or contrary to a person's first thought.

In Intuitive/Counterintuitive: The Structure of Religion and Science, research chemist Richard C. Johnson takes readers on a fascinating philosophical exploration of the concept of intuition, including the examination of many of the myths and misconceptions humans have fallen prey to over the years.

Using accessible language and a conversational tone, Johnson takes an evidence-based approach-bringing into question the true meaning of "wisdom" and demonstrating how rational thought must be applied to build upon the foundation of an intuitive belief.