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Fig. 6.7
An example of algorithmic perceptual similarity
look at these two images, they tend to focus on conceptual aspects, and fail to find
any significant similarities, if they find them similar at all.
Using such stimuli, we experimentally studied how perceptual similarities cor-
relate with people's ability to interpret pairs of images metaphorically, and with
emergence of new features that are not a part of either image [
46
]. Our results show
that a pair of perceptually similar images (in terms of color, shape, etc.) is more likely
to be given a metaphorical interpretation. Here are some examples of the interpreta-
tions given to the pair of images in Fig.
6.7
by the participants: 'Becomes better as it
grows old', 'Standing pillars of tradition', 'Beauty in taste', 'Taste of history', 'Taj
for eyes, wine for tongue', 'What a waste of time.' We also found that perceptual
similarity correlates positively with emergent features.
An implication of these results is that they provide yet another way in which com-
putational approaches can aid creativity. If this hypothesis—namely that low-level
perceptual similarities facilitate novel conceptual associations (among people)—is
correct then a computational system based on an algorithmic approach to perceptual
similarity will be quite effective in stimulating creative imagination in the viewer.
Systems based on such approaches can be used for creating persuasive ads, intuitive
educational material, aesthetic pleasing art, and so on [
32
].
6.3 Is Creativity Computational?
We now return back to the question we raised in the introduction: Can creativity be
algorithmic? Or is it essentially a human quality? To examine such questions, let us
consider two different characterizations of creativity. The first one focuses on the
process by which a human being engages in a creative pursuit. If we try to think
of creative people, who comes to mind? Perhaps Einstein, Mozart, Michelangelo or
Leonardo da Vinci. In the modern times, we might think of Steve Jobs. But what do
we mean when we say that they are creative?
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