Lesson 5: Theoretical Perspectives on Creativity: Cognitive Theories
3rd view point
William J. Gordon convinced that creativity involved more than Obsorn’s two mind theory.
Metaphor is the mechanism of the creative process according to Gordon. He founded synectics based on this principle. He performed experiments to study how the conscious mind communicates with the subconscious.
The subconscious activity is evoked when conscious, verbal thinking is converted into an image which is allowed to be blurred and fuzzied-up (unclear) by the subconscious.
This is supported by studies on left brain-right brain specialization from psychology. The left brain is the center for verbal language and logical reasoning. The right brain functions as the center for spatial relationships and nonverbal activity using images.
The left brain is the conscious mind while the right brain is the subconscious.
Metaphor is the common ground between the two minds because it provides the vehicle for both verbal language and nonverbal images.
Participants