Well, Eric, I figured this one out because I happen to recall talking about
connecting dots earlier, when I said:
"Gelernter then describes creativity as occuring in a region of
consciousness
states in which one is neither unconscious, nor logical. One is awake, but
one is not paying attention to whatever *rules* would interfere with
connecting dots. Thus, the creative process is one in which dots get
connected that would otherwise be blocked by logical processes."
From my perspective, the phrase "connecting dots" begs absolutely no
question whatsoever. It is a colloquialism I believe lots of people use
when an "Aha!" occurs. Analogy is just one of several possible mechanisms by
which people connect dots.
Keep in mind that the concept of analogy, itself, is a human construct, one
that has been invented to explain neural processes we barely understand.
Indeed, if we don't really understand our neural processes, it's not all
that likely that we will be able to explain them well, no matter what
concept we invent that seems to fit the need.
To understand my comment about Gelernter's theory, I know it's arrogant, but
I suggest reading the book. In fact, I suggest reading the book anyway.
From: Eric Armstrong <eric.armstrong@eng.sun.com>
> But "connecting the dots" begs the whole question
> of what is a "connection".
>
> I suspect it is in the form of an analogy. But
> that provides only slightly more precision. We
> don't seem to have any really good grasp of the
> analogy process, either.
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