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Jan 1, 1393
Create
The word "create" was used by Chaucer, but not much was studied or remained at the forefront until philsophers of the Enlightenment focused on it (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 6). Image: Courtneykirkland.net via Google Images -
"Advancement of Learning"
An important empirical investigation argument was accepted. This came in the form of Francis Bacon's "Advancement of Learning" (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 7) Image: openlibrary.org via Google Images -
Royal Society
Charles II chartered the Royal Society which institutionalized science and scientific research. The Royal Society had many rules for the members in terms of them being expected to publish their scientific work in the Society's Transactions. While encouraging individuality when it came to genius, the Society stripped individuality from the member's published works through their regulations (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 7). -
Imagination
The importance of imagination to thought and planning was recognized by Hobbes (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 9). Image: blog.nykidsclub.com via Google Images -
Period: to
Mid 1700s- Separations of Ideas
Creativity is separated from the ideas of "genius" "originality" "talent" and formal education (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 8)
Throughout the 18th century, many involved in the arts and philosophy were thinking about the limits of freedom of thought as well as what the social and political significance was (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 8) -
Period: to
Genius Distinctions
Came to four distrinctions in the 18th century:
1. Genius was separate from supernatural.
2. Everyone had the potential for genius.
3. It can be distinguished between genius and talent.
4. The political atmosphere of the time impacts their potential exercise.
(Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 9) -
"The Wealth of Nations"
"The Wealth of Nations," written by Adam Smith, identifies consequences in humain affairs in an attempt to bring together the reasons needed for a science of human behavior, or social science. It was hoped that social science could help predict social change prior to it getting out of control (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 11). Image: adamsmith.org via Google Images -
"Essay on Population"
Publication of "Essay on Population" by Malthus helped to establish a social science through extensive empirical research and data and predicting unanticipated consequences for the English population (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 11). Image: en.wikipedia.com via Google Images -
Darwin
"The intellectual breakthrough for understanding of creativity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was implied in the role Darwin gave to adaptation in survival." (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 11). Natural selection wasn't based on people's wishes but instead on unintended shifts and without foresight. Adaptations were opportunistically picked up and something like it takes place with creative endeavors (Runco & Albert, 2010, p.11).
Image: livescience.com via Google Images -
Galton
Galton worked to protect the British from uncertainty in natural selection and to increase British talent through Eugenics. He studied eminent families and used statistics which, maybe unintentionally, added evidence that everyone has potential for genius (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 12). -
Binet and Spearman
Binet and Spearman were using Binet's test on intelligence, including questions that were deemed to require imagination and divergent thinking, to collect empirical data (Runco & Albert, 2010, pgs. 13-14 -
Terman
Terman was the first American psychologist to take an interest in genius and worried about his nation's future; he planned to help the nation by making sure chldren with high IQ were provided the appropriate education (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 14). Image: en.wikipedia.com via Google Images -
Catherine Cox
Cox's thesis was based on Terman's research but had a broader and more objectively chosen sample of people and used biographical and sociocultural information bringing life to her subjects. "...Her most consequential findings as far as research on creativity goes: ' Youths who achieved eminence are characterized not only by high intellectual traits, but also by persistence of motive and effort, confidence in their abilities, and great strength of force of character" (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 15) -
Comparisons
After World War II, researchers like Barron compared average counterparts with those who were exceptionally creative in terms of their personalities, IQs, talents, and values (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 15). -
William Kamkwamba
William Kamkwamba, a 14 year old Malawian boy, used scraps to create a windmill that would provide electricity for his family. He was featured in Ted Talks that have been translated into 43 languages and there is also a book based on his creativity (TedGlobal, 2009). -
Tony Wagner
Tony Wagner published "Creating Innovators" in which he details interviews with students who felt confined to"fit the mold" in school and therefore had their creativity stifled. They excelled once they broke free from the confines of traditional schools.
Image: barnesandnoble.com Via Google Images -
NASA
NASA has created activities to increase students creative problem solving via STEAM lessons.
Nasa.gov -
Yin Yang
Buddhists could not fit the idea of creating something from nothing into their idea of yin and yang (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 5) photo: personaltao.com via Google Images -
Period: to Jan 1, 1500
Discovery and Mimicry
Dates: 1500-479 BC (could not do 1500 BC-479 BC)
Creation was a kind of mimicry or discovery for the Hindus, Confucius, and te Taoists and Buddhists. The idea of something being created from nothing didn't fit with their ideas (Runco & Albert, 2010, p. 5).
