There is no creativity without uncertainty: Dubito Ergo Creo

Abstract

This article is an edited version of a Keynote Address provided for the 2021 Creativity Conference hosted by Southern Oregon University. The talk opens with the following question: “What role does our experience with uncertainty play in our creative thoughts and actions?” The remainder of the talk is focused on addressing this question, starting with the assertion that there is no creativity without uncertainty and several other operating assumptions aimed at establishing a basis for this assertion. Next, a model of creativity under uncertainty is introduced. The model outlines how encounters with uncertainty in a particular socio-cultural and historical moment can be experienced as epistemologically and ontologically destabilizing, and thereby, result in a state of genuine doubt. This state of doubt, when perceived as actionable, can open-up a horizon of new possibilities for creative activity. The model further outlines how taking creative action in the face of uncertainty can (temporarily) resolve our state of doubt and re-stabilize our experiences. Implications for inviting uncertainty into educational learning environments are also discussed.