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Forks, Phonographs, and Hot Air Balloons: A Field Guide to Inventive Thinking

Forks, Phonographs, and Hot Air Balloons: A Field Guide to Inventive Thinking

by RobertJ.Weber (Author)

  • Used

    Hardcover 1993

    $3.25

  • New

    Hardcover 1993

    $94.42
Synopsis

Wheels, doorknobs, forks, and sewing needles are such everyday items that we rarely bother to wonder how they were invented. But where did the idea for the tea bag come from? Or the waterscrew, synthesizers, or genetic engineering? Drawing on hundreds of examples, this intriguing book sheds new light on human ingenuity from the Stone Age to the present day. Arguing that all inventions are the result of the same basic principles rather than random inspiration, cognitive psychologist Robert Weber reveals our mind's amazing capacity for problem-solving, and encourages us to take a fresh look at the world around us and tap into our own creativity.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
 Pages: 292
 Publisher: Clarendon Press
Published: 01 Jan 1993
ISBN 10: 019506402X
ISBN 13: 9780195064025

Media Reviews
'It is difficult to evaluate how well Weber's ideas would work as predictors of future developments, but as explanations of past events, his arguments have a sense of logic and insight. Even if his hindsight is better than his foresight, this is an interesting and entertaining work.' Hilary D. Barton, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Library Journal
'grippingly written book ... Weber ... offers example inventions to make his arguments; this analysis is at times compelling and, because of its specificity, is likely amenable to future mental testing' Psychological Science, Vol. 5, No. 3, May 1994
'The book is enjoyable to read and the examples and methods of analysis used illustrate the points clearly and well.' Steve Allman, Physics Education
The major advantage of this book is its use of language. Weber examines discoveries from the layman's point of view, which makes for easy reading. The discussion is also relatively free of technical jargon and complicated discussions of how devices work. In short, Weber's text is both accessible to technophobes and excellent for anyone interested in creative and critical thinking.
The section on understanding the created world is fascinating. Using simple methods of analysis, Weber strips everyday objects to the bone, laying bare for all to see why some inventions are shaped, used or made the way they are .. . The book is enjoyable to read and the examples and methods of analysis used illustrate the points clearly and well ... A clear conclusion, and brilliant chapters on heristics and understanding the created world, make the book an enjoyable ... read. * Physics Education *
Author Bio

About the Author:
Robert J. Weber is Professor of Psychology at Oklahoma State University. He is the coeditor with David Perkins of Inventive Minds: Creativity in Technology.