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Abstract:
Mental creativity is highly valued in modern society as the basis of innovation. It is a function of the brain. Better understanding of this function should result in higher creativity. A theory of mental creativity is proposed in this essay, based on four rather basic hypotheses. These basic hypotheses lead to the explanation of three neurophysiological phenomena that, jointly, produce mental creativity. Several consequences for creativity improvement are indicated.

Table of Contents:

Summary

1. Introduction
2. Definition of practical creative thought and innovation
3. The Approach
4. The brain’s selection of a course in the sequencing of individual thought phases in time
5. The brain’s capability for focused thought
6. The transition from subconscious to conscious thought and recognition of “ideas”
7. Summary comments regarding the limitations and the enhancement of creative thought
8. Some corollary comments


Bibliography

Three basic phenomena form the basis for mental creativity (not including artistic creativity) in terms of neurophysiology and cognitive psychology and must be explained first:

1. The sequencing of individual foreground thought phases in time - the natural selection of a course of thought.
2. The capability for focused thought.
3. The transition from subconscious to conscious thought.

• The strongest synaptic connection is selected for thought sequencing - with synaptic strength resulting from a variety of factors.
• Mental creativity, as other constructive processes in nature, is combinatorial - using existing memory elements, sensory perceptions, and communicated information to form new or more complex concepts or systems of thought. Therefore, it is the quantity, attributed significance, diversity, and interconnectivity (addressability) of these elements in individuals or in teams that determine creativity.
• Creative thought is provoked by new focus (new questions or perspectives) or newly available mental building blocks or perceptions.
• Creativity is continuous (gap-less).
• Alternating concentration and rest increase creativity.
• Psychological factors (personality, temperament, and psychological environment) significantly influence creativity.
• Consciousness is a virtual phenomenon resulting merely from memory for thought or perceptions.
• The brain optimizes speed, economy, and personal comfort in handling common tasks, problems, or threats over exhaustiveness of inquiry, optimizing of results, and personal exposure.
• A large part of modern innovation is derived merely from pattern recognition in observations.