Theories of Creativity Essays

Theories of Creativity Essays Theories of Creativity Paper Theories of Creativity Paper Theories of Creativity and Quality Theories of Creativity and Quality Theories of creativity are vast. Several psychological theories on the process of creativity are chronicled. Some theorists explain creativity as intrinsic creative motivations, which individuals create a project for the sake of creating (Wibell, 2011). Other theorists convey the brain controls levels of creativity, and mental illness has an impact on creative process. Further, many believe the humanistic theory of creativity spawns the creative process. Through self-actualization creativity comes in peak experiences. The quality of the work depends on what is measured. The quality of the creative work depicts the message of the writing. The message can be entertaining, or educational. The humanistic theory of creativity stems from self-actualization described by Abraham Maslow, a pioneer in humanistic psychology. Maslow believes that creativity is divided into three categories; primary creativity, secondary creativity, and integrated creativity. This theory encompasses the gestalt of human intelligence and emotional state as well as the needs that must be met in order for someone to be completely able to express his, or her creativity. Primary creativity according to Maslow, allows self to escape from life stress. Individuals channel life stresses into creative art such as painting, sculpture, or writing. Secondary creativity results from the use of higher thought powers. Secondary creativity takes over from primary creativity and adds to it through the preparation stages (Bergquist, 2011). Integrated creativity stems from combining primary and secondary creativity that results in great works in art, philosophy, and scientific discoveries. The creative integration is also characteristic of self-actualized emotionally healthy individuals. Self-actualization is the full use of talents, capacities, and potentials. In order for the individual to reach the self-actualization level a series of hierarchy achievements must be accomplished; creativity can flourish only after the levels described have been reached. For example, the need for safety can come in various forms such as a safe place to live. Creativity may be hard to accomplish if an individual is homeless with the exceptions of J. K Rowlings the author of the Harry Potter series, and Tyler Perry, playwright; both homeless, living in cars when writing mega-hit products. The mental illness theory allows the writer to access the parts of the brain that generates abnormal ideas, which can differ from the norm as they may be considered strange. Not everyone who is considered creative is stark-raving mad, however; there are certain elements that tend to be present in highly creative people who cause them to view the world differently and choose to portray it in a different light. Additionally, people whose thought processes differ from the majority have a tendency to want to escape from reality and may choose to do so through the creative arts. The extent of level of mental illness is not necessarily relevant to an individual’s creative ability. In individuals such as Vincent Van Gogh- where it was believed he suffered from mental illness- the level of this illness was not fully determined or relevant, yet his creative works remain very much alive in the world today. The mental illness theory suggests that individuals intensely creative- and whose creative ideas are viewed as strange- are believed to suffer from mental illness that also diminishes their ability to fully function in society. This theory offers the possibility that an abnormality is present in some people to cause the desire to explore a darker side of their psyche. Any difference in a persons thought process that differs from the norm can be considered a mental illness in some way, or can be linked to one; this difference is not necessarily a negative thing because if this abnormality is mild, and it will rarely interfere with an individuals’ ability to operate in society. Carl Jung (1953) extends creative functioning by further dividing artistic creativity into two categories, psychological art, and visionary art. Art is considered psychological art and appears to be generated by primary processes. With this Maslow’s humanistic theory of creativity ties into with his theory about needs requiring to be met before reaching a higher point of creativity. Visionary art which derives its existence from the hinterlands of the mans mind, is the type of art where the strange worlds and ideasdescribed by the mental illness theory of creativityare generated from, as it connects creative individuals with the super-human and timeless worlds beyond their conscious knowing. A plausible explanation for the relation of both the humanistic and mental illness theories similarities is attributed to author, Koestler who fails to represent any particular school of thought, but has had much success in creativity research. His premise on creativity is â€Å"bisociation† a term â€Å"coined by Koestler meaning to join unrelated, often conflictual, information in a new way. † He also goes on to say that this is similar to being double minded or able to think on more than one plane of thought simultaneously, and Frank Barron (1988) places the possibility that developing the ability to â€Å"tolerate chaos or seemingly opposite information is characteristic of creative individuals† (Bergquist, 2009). In short, appears both theories may very well be related, but worded differently. The attributes discussed by the mental illness theory touches on the humans’ ability to think on two distinct planes. The humanistic theory also holds truth when discussing the various needs one must attain before clearly being free to explore creativity as the whole. Concerning creativity, everyone has an opinion as how to approach it and judge its core. Some believe that for a work to be considered creative it must meet a few specific requirements such as being of fantasy or science fiction. Others believe that in order for creative works- whether they are art or music based- to be considered creative they have to be based on imagination; however, Al Gore’s book, paper, and PowerPoint presentation on global warming was quite creative even though it only appeared to be in functional writing format. Analyzing Theories Two types of writing, creative, and functional writing are of focus. Functional writing encompasses writings such as those found in phone manuals, data analysis, and essays; whereas creative writing has often been judged upon the inventiveness of the topic, for example, a fable or parable, a fiction story, or poetry. However, it has been determined by this team that the creativity writing and its quality should be judged on the content as well as the message it delivers to its intended audience. According to Mark Barrett, a writer and opinionated individual, writing should be judged according to the basis for writing. For example, if a writer writes to entertain or inform, the writing should be judged on whether or not it is powerful and clear or muddy and confusing. If writers write for the simple pleasure of writing or to have others enjoy their work, then the content should be judged on whether or not it is enjoyable (Barrett, 2010). Furthermore, there exist various methods of judging writing are based on what the judge considers to be correct according to the extent of their personal experience. However, most writers have agreed that the fundamental rule for judging lies in assessing the total impact of the passage, i. e. the combination of the creative ingenuity and the use of language (Chedzoy, n. d. ). The quality of a specific work should be evaluated for message and interest; in other words is the writing based on the interests of the writer. The creative work should be judged on the value, lesson, or educational message it conveys and the impact this has on the audience. Additionally, the flow and technical aspect of the writing should also be judged because the creative piece should flow naturally without fault or hindrance of grammatical errors and should emphasize pauses for thought, commas, or periods, (Hoosierpoet, 2004). As judges, questions regarding the writer’s choice in language or words must always be examined because these have an effect on the works’ purpose. Originality is key to being a great writer; it is important to use personal thoughts, ideas, and words when creating a work and if inspired by another’s work, it must be so noted. Finally, the judging of any work is complete when elements of the work are brought together and an impact has been made. Applied Theories Abraham Malsow’s humanistic theory of creativity specifies creativity occurs in stages. According to Maslow levels of achievement must be accomplished in order for creativity to flourish. Self-actualization is the goal of humanistic theory, and self-actualization occurs in stages. Once the stages are accomplished the individual has peak experiences, and peak experiences allow creativity to flourish. As a self-actualized creator there is an inclination to spark creativity across a vast number of areas. Through writing self-actualized creative writers can express ideas and impulses without fear of criticism, and thus are better able to produce, or express creative ideas, (Cassandro Simonton, 2011. ) Humanistic theory of the process of creativity for writing occurs in stages. In fiction writing hierarchy levels of achievement were required. First physiological needs met, the need for creative space. Creative space is anywhere from a room of one’s own to write in, to a small desk, in a shared room. Depending on the creative project the space may require isolation. Next is the need for creative peers such as classmates, or others in the same area of creativity to provide feedback. A need to surround self around others to obtain insight, information, ideas, or encouragement is essential (Morris, 2009. The need for creative inspiration follows. Inspiration can come in a variety of methods. For example, books, magazines, life experiences, the outside environment, and people watching inspire many creative writing processes. Another level on the hierarchy pyramid is imaginative space to doodle, scribble, or journal writing, which is different from physiological space, and allows creative energies to flow. The ability to have the freedom to expose the crea tive edge in the creative writing process assists in meeting the hierarchy levels of achievement. Solving problems, pushing boundaries, or developing something new is the heart of the creative writing process (Morris, 2009. ) When writing something from nothing more than a thought the writer needs to have faith in what he, or she is writing and believe in the final writing project. Additionally creative writing seeks an audience. In writing fiction the writer normally looks forward to his, or her work receiving feedback from peers, and enthusiastic responses from friends, and family. The need for certainty in an uncertain market is required. Creative writing, or creative arts of any sort require certainty in other areas such as home, relationships, or income assist in financially sustaining the writer throughout the creative writing process as he, or she work on the craft. Last on the humanistic theory of creativity hierarchy level of achievement is the need for time to cultivate the art of writing. Writers have to make choices in daily activities that allow for creative writing time to unfold. This means telling others no to activities, or completing chores early to allow time to write. Hierarchy levels of achievement are individualistic as pertains to the humanistic theory of creativity. Reference: V. Cassandro, and D. Simonton, (2011) Creativity and Genius. Retrieved from: www. nipissingu. ca/faculty/strange/courses/p2257/creativityandgenius. pdf. C. Morris, (2009) A Creative Person’s Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from: www. journeyjuju. com/ /the-creative-person’s-hierarchy-of-needs. html Webill, K. (2011) Cognitive Creativity. Retrieved from: http://faculty. mercer. edu/spears_a/studentpages/creativity/cognitivecreativit

Copenhagen by Michael Frayn

Copenhagen by Michael Frayn Why do we do the things we do? It’s a simple question. But sometimes there’s more than one answer. And that’s where it gets complicated. In Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen, a fictional account of an actual event during World War II, two physicists exchange heated words and profound ideas. One man, Werner Heisenberg, seeks to harness the power of the atom for Germany’s forces. The other scientist, Niels Bohr is devastated that his native Denmark has been occupied by the Third Reich. Historical Context In 1941, German physicist Heisenberg paid a visit to Bohr. The two spoke very briefly before Bohr angrily ended the conversation and Heisenberg left. Mystery and controversy have surrounded this historic exchange. About a decade after the war, Heisenberg maintained that he visited Bohr, his friend,  and father-figure, to discuss his own ethical concerns about nuclear weaponry. Bohr, however, remembers differently; he claims that Heisenberg seemed to have no moral qualms about creating atomic weapons for the Axis powers. Incorporating a healthy combination of research and imagination, playwright Michael Frayn contemplates the various motivations behind Heisenberg’s meeting with his former mentor, Niels Bohr. The Setting: a Vague Spirit World Copenhagen is set in an undisclosed location, with no mention of sets, props, costume, or scenic design. (In fact, the play does not offer a single stage direction – leaving the action completely up to the actors and the director.) The audience learns early on that all three characters (Heisenberg, Bohr, and Bohr’s wife Margrethe) have been dead for years. With their lives now over, their spirits turn to the past to try to make sense of the 1941 meeting. During their discussion, the talkative spirits touch upon other moments in their lives – skiing trips and boating accidents, laboratory experiments and long walks with friends. Quantum Mechanics on Stage You don’t have to be a physics buff to love this play, but it certainly helps. Much of the charm of Copenhagen comes from Bohrs and Heisenberg’s expressions of their devout love of science. There is poetry to be found in the workings of an atom, and Frayn’s dialogue is most eloquent when the characters make profound comparisons between the reactions of electrons and the choices of humans. Copenhagen was first performed in London as a â€Å"theater in the round.† The movements of the actors in that production - as they argue, tease, and intellectualize - reflected the sometimes combative interactions of atomic particles. The Role of Margrethe At first glance, Margrethe might seem the most trivial character of the three. After all, Bohr and Heisenberg are the scientists, each one having a profound impact on the way mankind understands quantum physics, the anatomy of the atom, and the capability of nuclear energy. However, Margrethe is essential to the play because she gives the scientist characters an excuse to express themselves in layman’s terms. Without the wife evaluating their conversation, sometimes even attacking Heisenberg and defending her often-passive husband, the play’s dialogue might devolve into various equations. These conversations might be compelling for a few mathematical geniuses, but would be otherwise boring for the rest of us! Margrethe keeps the characters grounded. She represents the audience’s perspective. Ethical Questions At times the play feels too cerebral for its own good. Yet, the play works best when ethic dilemmas are explored. Was Heisenberg immoral for trying to supply the Nazis with atomic energy?Were Bohr and the other allied scientists behaving unethically by creating the atomic bomb?Was Heisenberg visiting Bohr to seek moral guidance? Or was he simply flaunting his superior status?​Each of these and more are worthy questions to consider. The play doesn’t provide a definitive answer, but it does hint that Heisenberg was a compassionate scientist who loved his fatherland, yet did not approve of atomic weapons. Many historians would disagree with Frayn’s interpretation, of course. Yet that makes Copenhagen all the more enjoyable. It might not be the most exciting play, but it certainly stimulates debate.