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This chapter takes as its departure point a neural level theory of insightthat arose from studies of the sparse, distributed, content-addressablearchitecture of associative memory. It is argued that convergent thought ismost fruitfully characterized in terms of, not the generation of a singlecorrect solution (as it is conventionally construed), but using concepts intheir most compact form by activating neural cell assemblies that respond totheir most typical properties. This allows them to be deployed in aconventional manner such that effort is reserved for exploring causalrelationships. Conversely, it is argued that divergent thought is mostfruitfully characterized in terms of, not the generation of multiple solutions(as it is conventionally construed), but using concepts in a form that is,albeit expanded, constrained by the situation, by activating neural cellassemblies that respond to context-specific atypical properties. This allowsthem to be deployed in a manner that is conducive to exploring unconventionalyet potentially relevant associations, and unearthing potentially usefulrelationships of correlation. Thus, divergent thought can involve as few as oneidea. This proposal is compatible with widespread beliefs that (1) mostcreative tasks require not many solutions but one, yet entail both divergentand convergent thinking, and (2) not all problems with multiple solutionsrequire creative thinking, and conversely, some problems with single solutiondo require creative thought. The chapter discusses how the ability to shiftbetween convergent and divergent modes of thought may have evolved, and itconcludes with educational and vocational implications.

The Neural Basis and Evolution of Divergent and Convergent Thought