Comparison Between The Human Mind And Computers example essay topic

The most fundamental idea of the theory of computationalism is that our minds are computers. Just like computers our minds need an input in order to give an output. Searle, somewhat blatantly asked, 'Is the brain's mind a computer programme?' Could it be said that computationalism is an adequate account of the mind? When I think of a computer I automatically think of the PC in front of which I am sitting whilst typing this essay.

A computer, of course, can be much more complex but the most basic of computers have recursive functions. They start out with basic, simple function and then this is gradually added to, making it more and more complex. A computer will also have registers. These are normally very simplistic and can usually only perform a limited number of tasks, for example, on and off. At this point I have to draw a comparison between the human mind and computers.

As babies we can only perform certain tasks, i. e., sleep, eat, cry, fill nappies. Gradually, however, as we grow, we learn how to perform a greater number of tasks which are now increasing in their complexity. In this case I can certainly see the theory of computationalism coming into play. In 1950, a mathematical logician called Alan Turing published his ideas on how to the answer the question 'Could a machine think?' He coined the phrase 'imitation game,' and imagined a computer that would be programmed to answer any questions it could be asked by human beings. Others argued that the behaviour of an intelligent and freethinking person could never be captured and programmed into a computer.

I would have to agree strongly with them. In our lecture notes Dr Weir has given us to sample exchanges between a computer and two different people. It shows that if the input statements are simple and straightforward, the computer can answer and question very adequately. If the input statements, on the other hand, are complex, the computer trips up and fails to make any sense at all. I do not understand how someone would think that they could programme a computer with all the information in the world and then almost try to fool us into believing that it is in fact human.

This actually scares me as it brings to mind the idea of computerised robots taking over the world! Surely there is a limited to how human a computer can be? I certainly hope so! Dreyfus agreed with this saying that instead of a machine, what is needed is, 'the background of common sense that adult human beings have by virtue of having bodies, interacting skilfully with the material world and being trained in culture. ' Steadfast computational ists such as Turing are, in my opinion, being quite na " ive.

Of course we are lucky to have computers as they do so much for us but I honestly do not believe that they will ever be a substitute for having a coffee and a chat with your best friend or getting a hug from your mum. I find it quite strange that there are people who actually strive to make breakthroughs that they hope will eventually allow them to make a robot which they consider to be essentially on par with a human being. I do not think that there will ever be a robot that cries at sad films, is scared of the dark and laughs at jokes. It is these sorts of things that make us human and which, I feel, mean that we cannot be replicated by computers..