Rationality meets creativity: Multiple goals, dual processes, and the conscious self

Abstract

This paper reviews and revisits the concept of rationality in the psychology of thinking. First, I consider the ambiguity of the concept of rationality. I point out that this ambiguity is due to (1) the indeterminacy of the normative system itself; (2) differences in the way the task, solver, and environment are perceived; (3) differences in viewpoints such as the theoretical and practical; and (4) the duality of cognitive processes. However, I show that rationality is a goal-dependent concept, and that such ambiguity can mostly be sorted out by the notion of conflict among multiple goals. Next, based on recent findings on reasoning and judgment in autism spectrum disorders, I point out that previous research required “clipped-out” thinking, which is assumed to be rational. Such thinking is non-creative as the goal is a predetermined one given from the outside of the target system. However, since such thinking can deviate greatly from what is rational in the ordinary sense, I point out that an aspect of creativity is essential to the concept of rationality in the event. Finally, I argue that a well-being perspective is indispensable for rational and creative thinking, and that the concepts of self and consciousness are indispensable for acquiring such a perspective.