Humans as organic machines

[tomatti]

Hey, this might've been discussed here billions of times, but it fascinates me so I thought of bringing it up.

If you'd ask from a person on a street that what is the difference between you and a computer ? You would probably get answered "I think, computer doesn't". It has been proven that computer doesn't need to understand what it is doing (~ through Chinese room experiment: An english man is put to a room alone, given instruction is his language to set a series of cards with chinese letters into right order). This does indeed show that computers don't understand if you ask them what is 2 + 2 ? Their programmed to answer that it's 4.

Even if this is the case, it only shows that our computers are on the level of toasters ? If our technology today does not give us the chance to build a computer which could become conciouss, will it be the case in 100 years ?

So what is the difference between metal and alloy brains and organic brains made out of cells. If both transport information through electric vibrations or so.


When you reduce psychology to biology, it'll explain how the brains work on biological level (cells, nerves etc.). If you go further and reduce biology to chemistry to understand what goes on inside the cells (chemical reactions), still you take one spot further and reduce chemistry to physics, it'll tell the electric stuff and physical laws going on inside the cells and chemical reactions. Now can't you also apply mathematical laws to physics ? So if physics can be reduced to maths. Is it the case that our whole mind could be just a big program ? Computer programs surely use maths, so if we do too doesn't it mean were pretty close to machines, or just that machines are becoming soon conscious and closer to us ?

And if maths wasn't invented, but discovered. Could it mean that were programmed too


~ I don't know much of the subject and I wrote that in a hurry, so don't be offended if it wasn't all right :tongue2: . Anyways post your opinions

 

[DaveC426913]

"Is it the case that our whole mind could be just a big program ?"

If you believe in the soul, then no. If you do not believe in the soul, then yes, our brains are one big program - albeit many orders of magnitude more complex than the best computer we can conceive of, as well as extremely good at reprogramming itself and adapting (this is key to intelligence).

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I find the concept of humans as organic machines to be a fascinating and complex topic. While there are certainly similarities between computers and humans in terms of information processing and communication through electrical signals, there are also significant differences that cannot be overlooked.

One key difference is that humans possess consciousness and self-awareness, while computers do not. While computers can be programmed to simulate human-like behavior and responses, they do not have a true understanding or awareness of their own existence. This is a fundamental difference between organic brains and machines.

Additionally, the human brain is incredibly complex and adaptable, constantly changing and evolving throughout our lives. On the other hand, computers are limited by their programming and cannot adapt or learn in the same way that humans do.

The idea that our minds could simply be a "big program" is a reductionist view that ignores the complexity and uniqueness of human consciousness. While mathematics may play a role in understanding the physical processes of the brain, it cannot fully explain the complexities of human thought, emotion, and consciousness.

Furthermore, the question of whether machines could become conscious in the future is a highly debated topic with no clear answer. While advancements in technology may allow for more sophisticated and human-like machines, the concept of true consciousness remains elusive and difficult to define.

In conclusion, while there may be some similarities between humans and machines, the concept of humans as organic machines oversimplifies the complexity and uniqueness of human consciousness. As scientists, it is important to continue exploring and studying the intricacies of the human brain and mind, rather than reducing them to mere machines.