The idea
Intuition can be compressed experience, but it is a private signal. Turning it into explicit reasoning tests the intuition before asking others to accept it.
Worked example · illustrative
A trip plan that feels too tight
Situation. A friend proposes an itinerary with a short connection between a train and the last ferry to an island. You have made similar trips and feel uneasy, but cannot initially explain why.
The tempting conclusion. I have traveled more, so we should reject this itinerary.
What changes the view. Looking more closely, you notice there’s a bus ride between the station and the ferry. If the train is even a little late, you might miss the last boat. That’s what was bothering you. Your friend can now look at the connection with you: how much time is there, and is there another way to reach the island if you miss it?
What this supports. You now have something more useful to discuss than a feeling that the plan is risky. An earlier train might be worth it if missing the ferry would leave you stuck for the night. But if there’s plenty of time for the bus ride, or a reasonable backup, you might feel comfortable with the original plan after all.
Useful when
Watch for
Don't use reasoning merely to rationalize the initial reaction. Investigation may show that the intuition was wrong.
Where this came from
Research, Startups, Technical judgment