Is Creativity an Art or Science?

I love this question, every time someone asks: Is creativity an art or is it a science?

Let’s put it this way. Creativity would be easier to define and learn if it was an exact science, like mathematics.

An exact science is knowledge systematised to the extent that it can predicted and verified through measurement, experiment and observation.

For example, mathematics has specific elements which you can define (such as the numerals ‘0’ or ‘1’). It has finite and repeatable steps (like addition or multiplication) which allow you to create the same single answer, again and again. Thus, 1 + 1 will always equal 2.

In chemistry – another exact science – two parts hydrogen plus one part oxygen is the eternal recipe for water.

While creativity isn’t an exact science, it has attributes which are science-like.

It has specific elements which you can define, like an idea. There are finite and repeatable steps, like the rules of a brainstorm.

The difference – and the fun – lies in the fact creativity doesn’t create a single answer. It can create hundreds of answers. I didn’t say they would all be good answers. ( will kick in.) But even bad ideas have value.

Creativity is more like an art than science ... sort of

Because creativity doesn’t fit the true qualities of an exact science, it’s more commonly referred to as an art.

Lots of people (me, for example) believe creative thinking is something you’re born with (commonly known as a talent). For those who are or are known as creative, coming up with lots of ideas is as natural as breathing.

Even as I say that, a person can absolutely improve their creative thinking skills. Creativity has enough specific attributes which can be learnt and practiced.

But, the student has to be willing and able to learn. As they said at the teaching academy: If you have no interest in architecture for example, no one can teach you to become an architect.

Is creativity an art? A science? Perhaps something else? Please leave your thoughts and comments below.

P.S. There’s an interesting story (likely a myth) that Picasso created Cubism to rebuff a novice art collector.

The art collector told Picasso it was impossible for anyone to see two different perspectives at the same time.

In Cubism, Picasso created the ability to see something from different angles. Looking at the picture above, you can see both the front and side of Dora Maar’s face.

By the way, you can see two perspectives at the same time. Hold up your right index finger at arm’s length, then close your left eye. You see one perspective. Keep holding up your finger and switch to your left eye with the right eye closed. You will have a different perspective.