Creativity in Invention and Design

by Subrata Dasgupta

Overview

In this book, creativity in technology is discussed using a computational approach. Examining an important historical episode in computer technology as a case study, namely, the invention of microprogramming by Maurice Wilkes in 1951, the author presents a plausible explanation of the process by which Wilkes may have arrived at his invention. Based on this case study, the author has also proposed some very general hypotheses concerning creativity that appear to corroborate the findings of some psychologists and historians and then suggests that creative thinking is not significantly different in nature from everyday thinking and reasoning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521430685
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/24/1994
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

1. Creativity, invention and the computational metaphor; 2. A computational theory of scientific creativity; 3. Maurice Wilkes and the origins of microprogramming: the historical setting; 4. Prolegomenon; 5. The genesis of an idea: creating the initial sketch; 6. The evolution of an idea: from initial sketch to mature form; 7. Eight hypotheses about the nature of inventing; 8. Epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

"Dasgupta offers an interesting and successful attempt to begin the work of understanding the creative process in the mind....His enthusiasm for the subject is obvious and infectious." Choice

From the Publisher