Arts and the Creation of Mind Based on the book by Elliot W. Eisner

What do we mean by “experience”? “Experience” is not just a function of what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch The signals our senses send us are often ambiguous, demanding interpretation Therefore, the memories that we think of as our “experiences” have been shaped by the meaning we made of the input we received

Forming Representations of Our Experiences Eisner saw the mind’s essential function as forming representations of experience These representations have two functions: 1) furthering the individual’s understanding; 2) communicating the meaning we formed from the input we have received to others

Storing Ideas & Images The results of our thinking are evanescent Thoughts can be difficult to hold onto if not stabilized via inscription in lasting materials That is why we quickly write down phone numbers or mark directions on a map Both writing and the arts serve as vehicles through which such preservation can occur

Vital Role of Imagination Imagination enables us to visualize a situation with which we will have to cope This ability provides us with the opportunity for mental rehearsal We can play out the consequences of various actions in our imagination This way, we avoid taking the risks inherent in exploring these alternatives in real life

Empathy & Reflection Imagination gives us the capacity to step into the shoes of others & experience vicariously what we have not experienced directly Through writing and art, we can preserve our ideas, so that we can build on them later By revisiting an idea with fresh eyes, we can more carefully inspect, revise & extend it Instead of jumping to judgment, we are able to fruitfully explore areas of uncertainty