What is defined as the power to know what to do without extended contemplation?

Intuition is the ability to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning or extended contemplation. This skill allows a person to make decisions quickly based on a gut feeling or an internal sense of knowing. Intuition is often described as a "sixth sense" that comes from previous experiences, knowledge, and emotional understanding, even if the individual may not be fully aware of the thought processes leading to that conclusion.

In contrast, reasoning involves a more deliberate and logical thought process, where one weighs options and evaluates the situation methodically. Instinct refers to innate behaviors or responses that are generally hardwired and do not involve learned behavior or conscious thought. Insight typically relates to the capacity to gain a deep understanding of a situation or problem, often following a process of analysis or contemplation.

Thus, intuition stands out as the correct answer because it encapsulates the essence of knowing without the need for prolonged deliberation.