Creativity: process vs. state

Nakhim Shekhtman (Orenburg State Pedagogical University, Russia )

Email: nick@ospu.ru

 

ABSTRACT:

Creativity is an unlimited set of combinations made of formerly experienced knowledge together with practice. Creativity knows no boundaries, that is why imaginary practice is as plausible as that of reality. Subjoining to human artistic and aesthetic achievements and results of earlier generations is an indispensable condition and a starting point of any creation.

Due to biological, genetic, psychological and socio-cultural factors creativity nevertheless is not a simple reproduction of what has already occurred though it is based on repeated activities. Common sense as well as intuition are prognostically important for the outbreak of novelty which is the cornerstone of creative activity. Being a process this activity is intended to become a state in which linguistic and extralinguistic knowledge and experience are blended together.

Knowledge as the ability to answer questions (reproduction of the “know-how”) has been enriched by the ability to pose them (production of the formerly unknown), thus making up the basis for creativity – the climax of human mental and artistic achievements.