The composition of creative intelligence

Templeton World Charity, Inc., is funding 'The composition of creative intelligence' (260,000 USD over two years, 2024-2026).

TWCF grant number: 32583

https://doi.org/10.54224/32583

A summary:

Recent advances across neuroscience, cognitive psychology, philosophy and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing our understanding of the cognitive structure of creativity, and have raised the possibility of creativity in machines. These advances raise deep questions about the nature of creativity, its place in society, and its contribution to human flourishing. This project will use the methods of philosophy and theoretical science to address these questions, interfacing with insights across multiple disciplines.

More specifically, the aim is to analyze, integrate, and synthesize ideas regarding the composition of creative intelligence.

First, the project team seek to understand option generation – the processes that output, into the stream of consciousness, ideas about what actions to perform. They will study the contribution of cognitive flexibility to option generation, and will utilize data from cases of improvisation.

Second, they seek to understand the contribution of cognitive feelings – feelings like curiosity, boredom, confidence, fluency, and effort – to the guidance of creative thought and action.

Finally, they will leverage the unique perspective on creative intelligence this project will develop to insights this project aims to develop in order to consider aesthetic and ethical questions regarding the promises and perils of AI for scaffolding creative behavior.

As a part of this project, I'm hiring a post-doc. Some details (an ad will appear at relevant advertisement boards soon):

Two-year postdoc, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona

Starting date: July 1, 2024

AOS: Philosophy of Mind/Psychology/Action/AI

The post-doc will be expected to produce research relevant to project themes, and to help Prof. Shepherd organize project events (e.g., a speaker series and a conference). There will be opportunity for collaboration with Prof. Shepherd, as well as interaction with the LOGOS Research Group in Analytic Philosophy.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD by July 1, 2024, and are expected to work in Barcelona. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of their research, their ability to contribute to the project, and the fit between their research and the current project as well as Prof. Shepherd’s research.

Materials

Please send a CV, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a cover letter describing how the applicant’s research/papers in progress fit with project themes to rethinking.conscious.agency@gmail.com. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.