Compulsory Creativity: A Critique of Cognitive Capitalism

Steen Nepper Larsen

doi:10.3384/cu.2000.1525.146159

Authors

Steen Nepper Larsen Mind and Thinking, Campus Emdrup, Aarhus University, Denmark

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3384/cu.2000.1525.146159

Keywords:

Cognitive capitalism, creativity, critique, commodification, immateri-ality

Abstract

Contemporary capitalism can be labelled cognitive capitalism. In this dynamic, demanding and extremely transformative mode of production, knowledge becomes a strategic force of production and an important commodity, while concepts and ideas become items. This article sheds light on some of the implications of the emergence of a cognitive capitalism. In response to modern oxymorons, such as compulsory creativity and mandatory originality, this article offers various attempts to interpret and criticise how human inventiveness and a whole range of externalities get attuned to economic and market strategies, depriving them their natural, social and individual qualities. The aim of this article is to renew and sharpen a critique of the new type of capitalism and to foster some normative bricks that might be able to inspire alternative ways of thinking and living.

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