This course explores definitions of “creativity” and compares its significance in science to creativity in arts, business or engineering. By studying major developments in the history of science as well as psychological and neuroscientific studies, we will consider factors that enable creativity; creativity in fundamental science and at various stages of a project; the randomness or predictability of scientific discoveries; disciplinary and interdisciplinary work; the evaluation of discoveries; and attempts to predict the future of scientific creativity.
This course explores definitions of “creativity” and compares its significance in science to creativity in arts, business or engineering. By studying major developments in the history of science as well as psychological and neuroscientific studies, we will consider factors that enable creativity; creativity in fundamental science and at various stages of a project; the randomness or predictability of scientific discoveries; disciplinary and interdisciplinary work; the evaluation of discoveries; and attempts to predict the future of scientific creativity.
