Formal creativity: On the philosophy of associative thinking

This paper explores philosophical dimensions of creativity by examining how even particularly empirical frameworks—specifically, the associative theory of creativity and its related metrics—raise fundamental questions about knowledge, meaning, and agency. According to the associative theory, creativity arises from the ability to form new connections between concepts or ideas from unrelated contexts. I discuss this ability in terms of philosophical anthropologist Arnold Gehlen’s notion of Entlastung (relief or liberation): the capability to lift concepts or ideas out of their immediate contexts through sensorimotor exploration, language, and communication. I also bring Gehlen’s account into dialogue with Aristotle’s epistemology and anthropology, particularly his notion of intellectual knowledge of forms and his study of techne (artistry or craftsmanship) and spontaneity. These philosophical perspectives allow us to make a useful distinction between material creativity—the ability to produce creative results—and formal creativity—the ability to at least potentially achieve the same results through purposeful manipulation of ideas. I suggest that formal creativity is a key to creativity’s developmental benefits and contribution to meaningful work.