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. 2021;199(3-4):7727-7748.
doi: 10.1007/s11229-021-03135-2. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Intentional mind-wandering as intentional omission: the surrealist method

Santiago Arango-Muñoz  1 , Juan Pablo Bermúdez  2   3
Affiliations

Intentional mind-wandering as intentional omission: the surrealist method

Santiago Arango-Muñoz et al. Synthese. 2021.

Abstract

Mind-wandering seems to be paradigmatically unintentional. However, experimental findings have yielded the paradoxical result that mind-wandering can also be intentional. In this paper, we first present the paradox of intentional mind-wandering and then explain intentional mind-wandering as the intentional omission to control one's own thoughts. Finally, we present the surrealist method for artistic production to illustrate how intentional omission of control over thoughts can be deployed towards creative endeavors.

Keywords: Creativity; Mental action; Mind-wandering; Omission; Surrealism.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interstThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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