The Approach

A neurophysiological and cognitive-psychological analysis of human creative thought encounters three basic phenomena or underlying processes of the mind. An explanation is required for each of them:

  1. The sequencing of individual thought phases in time: What determines which course our thoughts take? Can that course be influenced?
  2. The capability for focused thought: What makes it possible to focus thought on a specific topic, at least for a limited period of time? How is it possible that later thought returns to the original focus, as in later creative ideas?
  3. The transition from subconscious to conscious thought, including the appearance of a sudden “idea”: Some of the best ideas emerge from the subconscious, often during periods of rest or distraction. Why? How can consciousness in this context be explained? How can sudden idea appearance be improved?

It is stipulated that an explanation of these three phenomena and their interaction is necessary and sufficient to explain the basic capability of the human brain for creative thought. This includes the ability to create new concepts and ever more complex systems of thoughts. It will be shown that four fairly basic premises or hypotheses are sufficient to explain the above phenomena.