Meat vs Metal

A comparison of the human brain and modern computer!

How are the human brain and a computer similar?

Function:

The human brain and a computer are both devices for processing information, making decisions, completing tasks, and solving problems. They are also both comprised of many unique components, each with their own responsibility.

Component comparisons:

First, let us loosely define some computer parts:

• CPU: (Central Processing Unit) sends and receives data and instructions
• Hard Drive: information storage, management, and organization
• RAM: (Random-Access Memory) short term memory, only stored while in use
• GPU: (Graphics Processing Unit) creation of images / rendering graphics from given information
• Input / Output devices: keyboard, mouse, camera, monitor, microphone, speaker, etc.

Now, we will loosely define some parts of the human brain:

• Thalamus: takes sensory input and distributes it to the proper areas of the brain, “relay station”
• Hypothalamus: temperature regulation (among many other functions)
• Hippocampus: short term memory storage
• Visual cortex: located in the occipital lobe, processes visual input in the form of electrical impulses

It is not ideal to compare many of these parts due to the differences in their makeup/ability. Even so, in order to gain a better understanding, we will make some loose comparisons between them below:

How do they differ?

Composition & Communication:

There are some very fundamental differences between the brain and the computer. For instance, the brain consists of neurons and synapses that use and transmit information in the form of electrical and chemical impulses. However, we know that the brain largely differs from this, as it consists of transistors, diodes, capacitors, and all kinds of mechanical hardware that transmit information in the form of bits (binary).

It is important to recognize the distinction between computer memory and human memory. When we look at a computer memory, we see RAM and a hard drive in most cases. These are just, in simplistic terms, temporary (short-term) and permanent (long-term) memory storage that consists of information (saved data, files, images/videos, etc.) that is largely simplistic and mechanical in nature. However, if we take a look at the human brain, we see that memory consists of much more than just short-term and long-term memory.

Modern neuroscience has discovered that we have:

• “Spatial memory”: a mental map of space – this is why you can walk around familiar places with your eyes closed!
• “Episodic memory”: playing a scene/experience back in your head
• “Emotional memory”: stored in the amygdala – instinctual emotional reactions based on past experiences
• “Procedural memory”: stored in the motor cortex – muscle memory
• “Semantic memory”: stored in the frontal/temporal lobes – general knowledge and long-term memories from the hippocampus

There is also a distinct difference in how computers and humans learn. Computers use “distributive learning” which is essentially learning from information residing in memory. Humans use “heuristic learning” which means that they learn from experience.

Overall, brains and computers differ in many ways. A computer may be better at one task that the brain is less suited for, and vice versa. Below we will explore some of the benefits of each in different scenarios.

Where do computers excel?:

Computers are capable of learning, processing, and working without risk of exhaustion (given they are connected to a proper power source). They also do not encounter many common roadblocks that humans do, such as illness, burnout and other prohibitors of function.

Computers have permanent, reliable memory that remains unchanged unless deleted. Computer hard drives can be upgraded and made to have more storage, given appropriate technological advances. Memory on a hard drive can also be physically transferred from one computer to another.

Computers have incredibly high processing speeds/power compared to a human brain. This means that they can complete “objective tasks” (repetitive checks, multiple choice, structured problems) very quickly and efficiently.

Where do human brains excel?:

The human brain is a marvelous organic creation that to this day has not been able to fully comprehend itself. It is 10 times more energy efficient compared to modern technology. A human brain is comprised of 10 billion neurons that communicate via electrical impulse and somehow it only uses 10 watts! The brain also is comprised of many different parts which are all interconnected and run parallel to each other to achieve processing, problem solving, etc. It is also inherently

At its base level, with no additions, the brain can process sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. A computer requires additional parts such as sensors and processors in order to achieve similar ability. The human brain is also one that can process emotions and energy(“vibes”), which are essential for understanding certain situations.

Lastly, the brain is able to heal itself. Let’s say a person has a head injury. They are likely to heal and regain most, if not all, of their previous cognitive function if the injury was not too severe. On the other hand, let’s say a computer is “injured” in a similar fashion. If the computer hardware is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced. A computer cannot heal itself, and therefore the brain has an advantage here.

Conclusion & Citations

One can’t truly say that brains or computers are superior to one another. Their individual strengths and weaknesses must be highlighted in order to properly compare them! Overall, I think the question should not be “Which is better?” but instead, we should ask “How can they work together to be the most efficient?”.

Sources:

• https://www.tech21century.com/comparison-of-human-brain-vs-computer/
• https://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/part-of-the-brain-controls-vision/
• https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-brain-and-computer.html