Creating heuristics for philosophical creativity

Abstract

‘Heuristics for philosophical creativity’ may sound like an oxymoron. Heuristics-tools or rules of thumb for problem-solving, forming judgments, and for cognitively challenging activities more generally-may seem antithetical to a romantic vision of the brilliant philosopher sitting with furrowed brow, peering into the realm of Timeless Truths, and then suddenly struck by a lightning bolt of insight, a ‘eureka!’ moment. The genius, doubtless tormented, perhaps cackling like Mozart in Amadeus, has no use for such plodding tools; nor does a lesser but nonetheless highly creative mortal-or so one may think. You cannot summon the muses; they summon you, says a sceptical voice. Less romantically, Kant and others have argued that genius, and by extension general creativity, is innate, and so cannot be learned or taught. 2 Yet, heuristics can be learned and taught, often easily-indeed, that is typically their point. Moreover, philosophy may seem to be especially unsuitable for the deployment of heuristics. After all, it is supposed to be the love of wisdom; it strives for profound truths and deep understanding. But heuristics may be thought to be superficial by their very nature. “There are no short-cuts to sophia,” our sceptic adds. Show more