Imitation and the Generative Mind

Abstract

In its perpetual capacity to imagine, create and revisit artifacts and representations, human mind is the perfect example of generativity. Yet if we agree with Epstein (1996)'s theory of generativity, new ideas result from interconnections among old ones. That is, cultural knowledge heavily influences our individual minds. In this line, our minds need meeting other minds to generate innovation. I will argue in this article that the basis of a generative meeting between minds is imitation. This proposal is developed against the well-established reputation of imitation as an idiotic behaviour stifling creativity. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.