Ep.110. Is Creativity Always in the Eye of the Beholder, or Universally Recognisable?

"Elements of a Universal Aesthetic of Creativity" by David Cropley and Arthur CropleySummaryThis source explores the complex idea of a universal aesthetic of creativity, seeking to identify common criteria for judging creative output across diverse fields like art and engineering. It argues that while creativity is a subjective aesthetic judgment, not an objective measurement, focusing on socially useful products provides a promising path to developing widely agreeable indicators. Key properties of such creative products include effectiveness, novelty, elegance, and genesis (the ability to be applied in other contexts), suggesting that creativity exists at different levels and kinds, rather than being a simple yes or no quality. The text also discusses how these indicators can be recognised with a substantial level of agreement by observers, potentially aiding in assessment, communication about creative works, and guiding the teaching and learning of creativity.