Question

1) Much of current all research is focused on replicating human thought in computers. What similarities exist between the human brain and computers that lead scientists to believe that this is a feasible endeavor? What differences complicate this type of research?

Answer 1

A human brain is a very complex system.And even though Artificial Intelligence (AI) is able to map around 75% of brain functions to computers, there still remain quite a few similarities and differences between a human brain and computer

Similarities between brain and computer :
1) Both brain and computer stores the information, process it and perform various logical calculations using algorithms and are used to run tasks.

2) In order to carry out those day to day activities , both use various components. For example, a computer use processor , RAM , hard-disk drives etc . In similar fashion, brain has various parts/lobes to look after calculations, co-ordinations, memory, emotions etc.

3) Both work by transmitting electrical signals to communicate with various parts.

4) Both have the capacity to increase their memory capacity With computer we can add extra RAM or disk drives while brain increases its memory capacity by synaptic connections

5) Both have capability to recover / back-up. In Computer we have ability to create backup of data .On the other hand brain can recover from damage (in certain scenarios) by creating alternate pathway to stored information.

6) Over the time period, both degrade.Computers like all machine break with time, while brain cell deteoriate with age due to less chemicals/harmones in body.

7) Both are capable of learning new things on their own.

Even with the above mentioned similarities, a human brain is much bigger than a computer, in terms of processing capabilities.

Differences between brain and computer :

1) Computers are usually in ON or OFF state i.e more like digital, whereas brains function in a analogue manner by firing neurons in asynchronous fashion of continuous non-linear process.

2) Computer store information based on memory address i.e. information can be retreived by going to a precise address. Brain on the other hand , activates a memory based on its closely related concept i.e. its more of content-addressable.

3) Computer access various components one at a time in a serial manner, whereas brain performs vast amount of parallel processing like accessing memories, performing calculations, drawing inferences all at the same time.

4) Computer have a fixed range of operating clock speeds. There is no fixed clock speed in case of a brain.

5) Syanpses in brain are more complex than the logic gates implemented in computer. Also syanpses work by generating electrical signals from chemicals while computer logic gates are purely electrical.

6) Computer have software to perform tasks on a given hardware whereas brains doesn't have any distinct software as such.

7) Processing and memory are preformed by same component in a brain unlike a computer.

8) Brain has capability to self-adjust or self-organise in case of any trauma or dysfunction.