A theory of creativity?

jesse.j

Does anyone know if there is a comprehensive theory of creativity. how it works? Can it be understood or easily developed as a skill/ability.Any clues or interest in the matter?

Odysseus

jesse.j wrote: »

Does anyone know if there is a definitive theory of creativity. how it works.
if non exists, what would it be worth to a college if they cracked the mystery. any clues or interest in the matter?

I don't know of a definitive theory of anything got to do with the psyche.

looksee

Odysseus wrote: »

I don't know of a definitive theory of anything got to do with the psyche.

Ah! I thought we were in 'big bang' territory. So what kind of creativity

jesse.j

I'm into how it may apply not only to the arts, but to business. product development, education and successful mental functioning. Ive read a lot of self help stuff, psychology etc. I'm not a professional this is just a sideline interest, having said that what I have learned has benefited me on some recent courses - I got great results considering I struggled at school and dropped out at sixteen. I'm now on the wrong side of forty but getting back in the learning game.

looksee

Now that's interesting. I am only involved with the art/craft type creativity, but I do believe that solving all kinds of problems is being creative, finding a solution by lateral thinking.

Giving children the opportunity to solve problems by making things/doing art and crafts is just the first step along the way of realising that it is possible to find a solution to pretty well anything. Even if its an alternative to the problem.

I am constantly astonished by how quickly people give up when there is not an immediate, obvious answer to something, and its great to be able to nudge them into discovering that there are in fact several answers. That is creative thinking on their part and its like opening a shutter and letting in light!

jesse.j

looksee wrote: »

Now that's interesting. I am only involved with the art/craft type creativity, but I do believe that solving all kinds of problems is being creative, finding a solution by lateral thinking.

Giving children the opportunity to solve problems by making things/doing art and crafts is just the first step along the way of realising that it is possible to find a solution to pretty well anything. Even if its an alternative to the problem.

I am constantly astonished by how quickly people give up when there is not an immediate, obvious answer to something, and its great to be able to nudge them into discovering that there are in fact several answers. That is creative thinking on their part and its like opening a shutter and letting in light!

"its like opening a shutter and letting in light!" great description. I see creative development as: upgrading ones software to high speed broadband (creative flow)

Red Hand

Check out the work of Edward De Bono, the man who came up with the phrase "lateral thinking". He has many books that deal with how to induce creativity, which is rather the opposite of the flash in the mind inspiration that people usually think of when it comes to creativity. Creativity is more of a hard slog when trying to induce it.