Implicit

A close cousin of the automatic response is implicit knowledge. These are things that we don't quite know how we know (if we're aware of knowing them at all), but we know them anyway. I came across a theory of problem solving that invokes these hidden nuggets of knowledge. While reading the paper, I was struck with a simple question. How much explicit knowledge (the things we can easily discuss and relate to others) is required to develop a robust body of implicit knowledge? At what point does explicit knowledge become implicit knowledge? How long do we have to consciously work to master the explicit knowledge of a domain before we start to develop an active and effective implicit knowledge of that domain?

A key argument of the paper is that both systems of knowledge are necessary to creative problem solving. There is a synergy between thinking modes that enable the development of creative solutions. I take that to mean that a robust body of implicit knowledge enables creativity. Internalizing the rules of chemistry or chess or fashion design or painting builds up a critical mass of internal memes that can start to intermingle and interact. When an individual who has developed this critical mass of knowledge encounters a problem, conscious consideration of the problem initiates a cascade of associations that reach deep into this person's knowledge network. This happens outside of that person's awareness. As more and more effort is applied to solving the problem, a feedback between explicit and implicit knowledge (and the associated processing systems) may eventually yield a solution to the problem.

The development of implicit knowledge feels tantalizing close to why I'm compelled to read books and papers on creativity. If implicit knowledge develops from experience, deliberate practice, reading, thinking, trying to solve problems, successfully solving problems, and focusing on internally derived goals rather than seeking to obtain the approval of others, all of my thinking and reading over the last year could be channeled into something very powerful.

One step closer to being unstuck...