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Combinatorial creativity as blind-variation and selective-retention: A definitional update.

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Campbell's (1960) theory of blind-variation and selective-retention (BVSR) is refined with a new epistemological definition of "blindness." This clarifies that only blind variations, not rational or irrational ones, drive creativity and knowledge production.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Creativity Studies

Background:

  • Simonton (2010) proposed a combinational model of creativity based on Campbell's (1960) blind-variation and selective-retention (BVSR) theory.
  • The BVSR model offered insights into creativity across individual, domain, and field systems.
  • A key limitation was the inadequate formal definition of "blindness" within the model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advance a more robust definition of
  • blindness
  • in the context of creativity and knowledge production.
  • To establish a clearer theoretical foundation for understanding creative processes.

Main Methods:

  • Critically evaluating the existing definition of
  • blindness
  • in creativity models.
  • Developing a new definition grounded in epistemology rather than evolutionary theory.
  • Establishing a typology of variation types: rational, irrational, and blind.

Main Results:

  • The revised definition of
  • blindness
  • is epistemologically sound, aligning with Campbell's original intent.
  • A clear distinction is made between rational, irrational, and blind variations.
  • Only blind variations are logically linked to genuine creativity and knowledge advancement.

Conclusions:

  • The new epistemological definition strengthens the theoretical basis of the BVSR model for understanding creativity.
  • The typology clarifies the specific role of blind variation in driving innovation and knowledge discovery.
  • This refined understanding has implications for research into exceptional creativity and cognitive processes.