Philosophy Society: 'Creativity, Motivation and Character'
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About the event
Event type: Seminar
What is it to be a creative person? There is a minimal sense according to which it just is to possess certain abilities (e.g., to produce novel, worthwhile ideas or art works). However, in light of suggestive psychological work we will look at how and why motivation is central to exemplary creativity.
We not only praise and admire individuals whose creative activity is born from an intrinsic passion for what they do but, other things being equal, expect them to be more reliably creative across different situations than people who are extrinsically motivated (e.g. do things for mere money or fame).
Creativity in people will flourish where intrinsic motivation is foregrounded and cultivated (unless, like Van Gogh, a person’s creative character is truly exceptional).