Methodological Approach for the Analysis of Artistic Creativity through First-Person Analysis
Advances in Social Science and Culture October 17, 2019 DOI: 10.22158/assc.v1n2p180 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that first-person, subjective-experiential reports can serve as scientifically valid data when gathered through a systematic, disciplined methodology, extending Varela's neurophenomenology to the study of artistic creativity. Proposes that artists themselves perform this introspective analysis, subject to "intersubjective validation" by other artists, and that such accounts could reciprocally inform scientific understanding of the neural processes involved in creating art. |
Abstract
Can the study of a single subject by means of a first-person analysis be considered from a scientific methodological approach? The response from neurophenomenology is yes. The recent science of consciousness led by Francisco Varela claims the need to use first-person data, subjective-experiential reports to link them with neurobiological correlates of classically scientific third-person data. I address here a systematic disciplined methodology to translate first-person analysis to the field of art creativity to be performed by the own artist/subject. The goal is to formulate a methodology to be further validated and standardized by other artists willing to perform an introspective analysis, in what can be considered open to “intersubjective validation” in terms of Varela. First-person analysis by the artist herself might reciprocally offer the basis for scientific understanding of the neural processes involved in the synthesis of a creative artwork. Finally, better understanding in the mechanisms involved in inspiration, synthesis and execution of art-work may also help an artist to enhance his/her creative abilities.