ABSTRACT
It is possible to fill several pages with all the definitions of creativity that have been proposed over the years (Barron, 1988; Taylor, 1988). The definitions all appear to have similar elements in common: original ideas that have rarely been expressed before, integration of ideas into a unique synthesis, looking at problems in entirely new ways, discovery of entirely new problems, imagining a wide range of possible solutions to a problem or avenues to a solution, improvements over preexisting solutions if any had existed, and ultimately the feasibility and operational success of a particular solution. Simonton's (1988) definition is my personal favorite because of its use of NDS concepts: Creative solutions "reduce mental 'entropy' by joining configurations together into more comprehensive hierarchical formations," and the human intellect is programmed to selforganize its cognitions and emotions accordingly (p. 393).
