I know that before I can even get this question asked, that someone is going to say "That which killed the Cat!" so please...
This is an endless loop, where the answer to the original question is "Curiousity is a question posed in the mind.", which of course, leads directly to the question, "What is a Question?", to which the answer is... "A question is Curiosity in the mind about a particular subject." et cetera ad infinitum.
We've had many discussions here on CR4 about innovation, invention, science, and engineering processes. I think that ultimately, they all boil down to curiosity as part of the fundamental process. The fundamental computing process, as developed by, I think it was Von Neumann ,as I learned, is an endless 'fetch and execute' cycle. I'm thinking that there might be a way to identify the basic process wherein curiosity/questing is able to produce results in the mind.
At first blush, Curiosity is a simple thing.. you know.. there it is. But if I reflect on it, I believe that there is an 'expectation' of a result, as well as an image that goes with the question. Perhaps these two factors are the basic method of requesting answers from our minds.
Why does curiosity feel like a feeling? If it is a logic process (Logicum?) why the feeling? (or expectation) Creative people always point to curiosity as that fundamental process which operates at the epicenter of their creative output, and ongoing learning. (references too numerous to mention.)
If we wanted to encode curiosity into a computer algorithm, what would that operate like? What are the fundamentals? Is it a loop construct, searching through all known answers? (if-then-else) or is that just an aspect?
There is a really great system of invention called Triz, developed originally by Genrich Altshuller, as he was able to identify some components essential to invention and innovation. I think perhaps that if curiousity were broken down to some further fundamental, that perhaps even more of this type of process might become known.
So I ask again to you, this community of thoughtful people; What is Curiosity? Can it be taught? If so, how do you break it down, so that the essentials can be known, practiced and developed? Some people are definitely more curious than others. Perhaps if the younger generations could become more curious, we older people wouldn't worry so much...
I look forward to hearing from you. I'm curious to know what you think.
(I know, one can't help the various humor that crop up.) Of course, perhaps I'm crazy, and trying to lead you all down the rabbit hole...
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