Interdisciplinarity, the Psychology of Art, and Creativity: An Introduction

Abstract

The concept of interdisciplinarity is introduced within its larger intellectual context, that of the relation between science and the humanities, as well as related to psychology and, in particular, the psychology of art and creativity. Empirical research on the arts and creativity is in a good position to further interdisciplinarity, but I argue that such studies are insufficiently reciprocal. Psychology takes more from the arts (e.g., its materials) than it gives back. (i.e., illuminating scholarly and artistic concerns). I argue that, if the scientific psychology of art is to become fully interdisciplinary, it has to take greater account of artistic sensibilities and expertise. Suggestions for achieving greater reciprocity are offered. Examples from my research on an old age, art, and creativity (e.g., the "old-age style") are used to illustrate an interdisciplinary, among others, are discussed in the articles that follow mine in this Special issue of Creativity Research Journal, along with empirical and pedagogical illustrations, and conceptual extensions.