Complex question, dear Silvia! Classical neurobiological studies examined creativity beginning from the different functions of the cerebral hemispheres: the logical-symbolic-linguistic functions are chiefly linked to the left hemisphere whereas the holistic-generalist-emotive functions are chiefly linked to the right hemisphere. Although the hemispheric functions are broader and still poorly understood, there doesn’t seem to be any doubt about the supremacy of the left hemisphere in symbolic-linguistic activities and in computational processes. Various studies on hemispherical asymmetries, through fMRI, suggest that creativity is correlated, on the one hand, to a stand by of the left hemisphere and on the other, to an intense activity of associations, metaphors and analogies in the right hemisphere, which would generate new perspectives on things. The role of the right hemisphere in the discovery of new explanations is demonstrated by its involvement in a series of functions such as perception, imagination and visual and musical artistic creations. The sudden discovery of the solution to a problem mainly has to do with the right hemisphere. For example, the correct response in a test corresponds to a rapid activation of the right temporal lobe, in particular of the right anterior superior temporal gyrus, which is preceded by a sudden change in activity of the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in different cognitive and executive tasks. These different hemispherical skills have led to the hypothesis that the creative, emotional and instinctive processes of the right hemisphere are opposed to the rational ones and to the semantic-cognitive activities of the left hemisphere.

Now, as is evident in the martial and dynamic arts, the reduction of the time lag between action and reaction corresponds to the reduction of the cognition in a motor programme, to the extent that it becomes simultaneous in exceptional cases. The ‘unaware structures’ take the place of the ego, by making use of the abilities acquired with a conscious effort and by favouring the passage from a state of voluntariness to free instinctivity. This phenomenology of new sequences of action which are fluid, flexible and original, brought about by the weakening of awareness (and of attention), is heterarchical and allows for the rapid passage between cortical and subcortical modular structures. It is plausible that innate clusters of action (stratified in archaic matrices) are activated by interaction with the environment, with the birth of new flexible and original sequences of action, even if only a limited number of them prevail. According to this hypothesis, more flexible executive functions could give rise to motor combinations from indeterminate, unpredictable and non-linear results, that is, to open dynamics not linked to complete and detailed knowledge of the environmental variables, for flexible and adaptively advantageous decisions.

For a long time, little attention was paid to this problem. It was for the most part studied with regard to theories of the executive functions: the functions that allow an individual to design, plan objectives, carry out projects aimed at one purpose, monitor (and if necessary anticipate) his/her own actions to adapt to environmental changes. Numerous sub-skills are included in this sphere which are coordinated between themselves: for example, the inhibition of a response at an inappropriate moment (or its deferral to a more appropriate moment); the implementation of a plan of sequences of action useful for a purpose; the representation of the task that includes relevant information (memorised or perceived immediately) associated with the desired result. Now, even if every action consists of discrete and serial aspects, unknown situations require complex abilities, which involve highly developed functions such as adaptability, efficiency, fluidity, flexibility and expressiveness, for which the processes of feedback and feedforward appear insufficient. An executive control for high decision-making levels, as Jeannerod notes, presupposes distributed cortical-subcortical structures, in which each level influences both the preceding and subsequent one. This system – based on a circular process that starts from inside it, produces an action that, in turn, influences the system – is supported by a working space that includes a representation of the future: i.e., the analysis of the aims of the action, the means to achieve it and the consequences for the organism and the external world. In this way our brain anticipates the effects of our actions and those of others, becoming able to understand itself and the actions and emotions of others.

Thanks, Mauro.

It is known that in the complex system of the executive functions the basal ganglia are of great significance. These control cognitive activities such as spatial memories, the execution of motor actions in a specific context and motivational elements of learning. The cortex and the basal ganglia are closely linked and control, also through the cerebellum, the motivational aspects of a movement (the preparation for the action), the contextual aspects (the execution of the movement) and its state of execution. Now, in what way does this complex system generate rapid and unexpected actions? Catching a flying object, hitting a moving target, pronouncing words with great fluidity or playing a piano, call for such fast times that exclude the possibility of corrections by means of sensory feedback: an action may have success or failure, but due to the time constraints it cannot be correct. In what way, therefore, can the brain achieve such rapid muscle action sequences, to the point of overcoming the temporal limits of the neural circuits?

Silvia, this is a problem concerning the sequences of hand or leg movements, as well as those at the origin of the sounds that form the words, produced with very fast rhythms, generally without errors that alter the meaning. For instance, karate is one of the sporting disciplines that may be useful in order to better understand such dynamics. Here, the cognitive development and the exploration of the possible motor actions must be almost simultaneous to allow, on the one hand, the predictive exercise and on the other hand, the differential analysis between intention, result and correction of the error. In the case of an improvised action the possibility of error is constant in all of the phases of development: from perception (for a feint) to selection, from the planning to the execution of the action. During a kumité, which sees two athletes take each other on at a distance of about 2 metres, it is necessary to achieve the maximum stability with the minimum expenditure of energy. The karate expert, then, does not limit him/herself to react to expected events: he/she operates in the future, by means of anticipatory and compensatory strategies that generate postural responses, thus safeguarding stability and allowing his/her own muscles to contract before the voluntary movement. The efficiency and effectiveness of these mechanisms improves with constant practice and is directly proportional to the quantity of skills and techniques memorized. These allow the expert to develop a sort of internal algorithm permitting him/her to instantly calculate the variables in play and to prepare to react according to their own predictions. It must be said, nevertheless, that the fluidity and effectiveness of the performances of experts do not derive only from the greater familiarity with the task or from having imagined at length him/herself in action, but also from the capacity to distance oneself from sentiments, desires, worries or thoughts that could compromise the performance. To avoid such an eventuality, the expert naturally tends towards a state that is free from cognitive and emotional constraints. Sensory and perceptive interferences would reactivate the conscious control, compromising the fluidity of the movement. It is in this way that concentration and, therefore, effectiveness of an action, may reach very high levels. For an actor, a dancer, a musician, entirely identified with their own task, concentration, automatisms and imagination are founded on the action in progress.

Thanks. Another question: what makes the invention of new sequences of action special? Can we assume it an expression of human creativity?

Complex question, dear Silvia! Classical neurobiological studies examined creativity beginning from the different functions of the cerebral hemispheres: the logical-symbolic-linguistic functions are chiefly linked to the left hemisphere whereas the holistic-generalist-emotive functions are chiefly linked to the right hemisphere. Although the hemispheric functions are broader and still poorly understood, there doesn’t seem to be any doubt about the supremacy of the left hemisphere in symbolic-linguistic activities and in computational processes. Various studies on hemispherical asymmetries, through fMRI, suggest that creativity is correlated, on the one hand, to a stand by of the left hemisphere and on the other, to an intense activity of associations, metaphors and analogies in the right hemisphere, which would generate new perspectives on things. The role of the right hemisphere in the discovery of new explanations is demonstrated by its involvement in a series of functions such as perception, imagination and visual and musical artistic creations. The sudden discovery of the solution to a problem mainly has to do with the right hemisphere. For example, the correct response in a test corresponds to a rapid activation of the right temporal lobe, in particular of the right anterior superior temporal gyrus, which is preceded by a sudden change in activity of the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in different cognitive and executive tasks. These different hemispherical skills have led to the hypothesis that the creative, emotional and instinctive processes of the right hemisphere are opposed to the rational ones and to the semantic-cognitive activities of the left hemisphere.

Now, as is evident in the martial and dynamic arts, the reduction of the time lag between action and reaction corresponds to the reduction of the cognition in a motor programme, to the extent that it becomes simultaneous in exceptional cases. The ‘unaware structures’ take the place of the ego, by making use of the abilities acquired with a conscious effort and by favouring the passage from a state of voluntariness to free instinctivity. This phenomenology of new sequences of action which are fluid, flexible and original, brought about by the weakening of awareness (and of attention), is heterarchical and allows for the rapid passage between cortical and subcortical modular structures. It is plausible that innate clusters of action (stratified in archaic matrices) are activated by interaction with the environment, with the birth of new flexible and original sequences of action, even if only a limited number of them prevail. According to this hypothesis, more flexible executive functions could give rise to motor combinations from indeterminate, unpredictable and non-linear results, that is, to open dynamics not linked to complete and detailed knowledge of the environmental variables, for flexible and adaptively advantageous decisions.

Dear Sylvia! It is good that you are interested in topical and complex issue. Spontaneous human activity in extreme situations, at times accompanied by negative consequences. Specialists then explain the consequences of the "human factor". Is it so?

Please open some papers in the attachment.

Vladimir

You might want to look at Tina Lindhard´s paper "Emotions Including Anger, Bodily Sensations and The “Living Matrix” (see link below)

She mentions "The living matrix" (perhaps scroll down to that particular chapter), a term coined by Oschman referring to an interconnected molecular network that enables high-speed communication between all of the body systems (Oschman JL. The music of the heart: a personal Journey. Subtle Energies Energy Med 2009; 20(1): 9-35.)

" (...) J. L. Oschman was influenced by the work of nobel laureate Szent-Györgyi who, on observing his cat’s reaction to a snake, came to the conclusion that this instantaneous “levitation” or “bong” of the cat was much quicker than any system that had yet been explained in scientific terms. He discounted nerve impulses and chemical reactions as both being too slow to explain “life” and instead proposed a system of molecular electronics and conduction in collagen, which has now given rise to a field called “electronic biology” (...) Life is too rapid and subtle to be explained by slow-moving chemical reactions and nerve impulses. Something else is going on” 

According to Oschman, the living matrix subconscious pathway gives rise to “authentic action” and the neural pathway to “thoughtful action” (being authentic action the kind of unexpected actions you wonder about).

Hope this helps !

Article Emotions Including Anger, Bodily Sensations and The “Living Matrix”

With regard to the formation of stereotypes, the sequence of actions. Much happens on a subconscious level. And this is the key to success in the performance of, for example, gymnastic exercises. Please pay attention to the article, which reveals the importance of the cerebellum in the formation of stereotypes.