Abstract
This theoretical article proposes a unified framework of analysis for the constructs of intelligence and creativity. General definitions for intelligence and creativity are provided, allowing fair comparisons between the two context-embedded constructs. A novel taxonomy is introduced to classify the contexts in which intelligent and/or creative behavior can be embedded, in terms of the tightness vs. looseness of the relevant conceptual space S and available time T. These two dimensions are used to form what is identified as the space-time continuum, containing four quadrants: tight space and tight time, loose space and tight time, tight space and loose time, loose space and loose time. The intelligence and creativity constructs can be mapped onto the four quadrants and found to overlap more or less, depending on the context characteristics. Measurement methodologies adapted to the four different quadrants are discussed. The article concludes with a discussion about future research directions based on the proposed theoretical framework, in terms of theories and hypotheses on intelligence and creativity, of eminent personalities and personality traits, as well as its consequences for developmental, educational, and professional environments.
Highlights
The Complex Relationship between Intelligence and CreativityIntelligence and creativity can arguably be considered to be the most important, and perhaps most distinctive, constructs that characterize human existence in terms of knowledge acquisition, knowledge production, and knowledge-based behavior
The theoretical approach we propose can serve to unravel this intricate skein: the space-time continuum allows to distinguish domains of human activity where intelligence is definitely useful whereas creativity might be detrimental, areas where creativity may flourish whereas intelligence might drive one away from the effort, as well as domains in which the two constructs cooperate and are largely overlapping in meaning and functionality
As a conclusion of this analysis, we consider that definition of intelligence DI is sufficiently comprehensive and appropriate as an axiom upon which to build a theoretical framework for the comparison of the intelligence and creativity constructs
Summary
Intelligence and creativity can arguably be considered to be the most important, and perhaps most distinctive, constructs that characterize human existence in terms of knowledge acquisition, knowledge production, and knowledge-based behavior. The aim of our work is to address the points (i) and (ii) outlined above by introducing a theoretical framework based on compatible and comparable definitions for the intelligence and creativity constructs, as well as on a contextual domain for their existence identified as the space-time continuum. The latter represents in a novel way both the structure of the engaged conceptual space S, in which solutions/responses are sought, and the temporal domain T, in which the intelligence and/or creativity process occur. The many possible avenues that can be further explored basing one’s scientific enquiry on our proposed theoretical framework are addressed in the Discussion and Conclusions to the paper
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