The University of Montana
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Technical report #35/2008
Aesthetics and Creativity:
An exploration of the relationships between the constructs
Astrid Brinkmann
University of Muenster, Germany
Bharath Sriraman
The University of Montana, USA
Abstract
In this contribution, we report on an ongoing study that examines the relationship
between aesthetics and creativity among working mathematicians. Writings of eminent
individuals indicate that aesthetics is an important component of mathematical creativity,
however we were interested in researching this relationship among the normal working
mathematician. Anecdotally speaking, many working mathematicians often convey a reciprocal
relationship between aesthetics and creativity, particularly when mathematical results and
proofs are arrived at with considerable strain and stamina. We report on the findings of our
ongoing study among working mathematicians in the U.S.A and Germany, and make a case for
emphasizing the aesthetic dimension in mathematics education.
Keywords: affect; beliefs; aesthetics; creativity; mathematicians; aesthetics in mathematics education
AMS Subject Classification: 97
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