Occam’s razor misapplied: Pinpointing the role of the default mode network in creativity

Abstract

The parsimony principle, or Occam’s razor, holds that the simplest explanation for a phenomenon is often one that offers its best or most likely account. When it comes to explanations for the brain basis of creativity, the most dominant one in contemporary times emphasizes the key role played by the default mode network (DMN), where dynamic interactions between the DMN and other brain networks, particularly the executive cognition network (ECN), are proposed to facilitate creative ideation. In this opinion paper, I argue that while DMN–ECN brain dynamics appear to offer the simplest explanation (and therefore, to follow Occam’s dictum, the most likely explanation) for the brain basis for creativity, to reach such a conclusion is not warranted because of fundamental weaknesses inherent in the evidence at hand. Three major concerns in this field of research include vast variability in scoring methodology across studies, the imposition of blanket interpretations and conclusions despite heterogeneous findings, and the failure to account for or even acknowledge individuality in the study of the creative process. The veneer of narrative simplicity, then, is a result of glossing over differences, ignoring the internal perspective of the creating individual, and overlooking evidence that runs contrary to the dominant explanation. This is Occam’s razor misapplied.