Back to the future. Reconsidering the roots of creativity and future possibilities for education and teacher education

This paper revisits the foundational threads of creativity research to refresh its application in teacher education and education generally. In a time when understandings about creativity are fragmented and artificial intelligence (AI) looms large, a return to some core ideas might enrich our understanding of creativity. Focusing on Alfred North Whitehead's concept of creativity as a universal combinatorial force, the paper examines its philosophical origins, its role in literature and art, its psychological roots as an inherent human trait, and the notion of creativity as distributed and embodied. The paper also explores creativity as an educative skill and examines broader implications for education in an increasingly AI-mediated world. By integrating these strands, the paper argues for the possibility of a unified approach to creativity research and offers some principles around which to form this unification. These foundational insights, inspired by Whitehead, can guide the field amidst current complexities. The paper recognizes AI's role in reshaping creativity, underscoring the need for renewed dialogue and research pathways that align with the dynamic digital landscape.