The Difference Between a Brain and a Computer
(Isaac Asimov)
The difference between a brain and a computer can be expressed in a single word, that is, 'complexity'.
The human brain is the most complicated thing, known to us. The human brain weighs only three pounds. In these three pounds are ten billion nerve cells and a hundred billion smaller cells. The billions of these cells are interconnected in a very complicated network that cannot be understood easily.
Can a computer think? That depends on what you mean by "think." If solving a mathematical problem is "thinking," then a computer can "think" and do so much faster than a man. Of course, most mathematical problems can be solved quite mechanically by repeating certain straightforward processes over and over again. Even the simple computers of today can do that.
It is frequently said that computers solve problems only because they are "programmed" to do so. They can only do what men have fed in them. One must remember that human beings also can do only what they are "programmed" to do.
Our "program" is very complex. We might like to define "thinking" creativity that goes into writing a play, composing a symphony", in conceiving a scientific theory, or a judgment. In that sense, computers certainly can't think.
The brain is made up of cells in a certain arrangement. The cells are made up of atoms and molecules in certain arrangements. To duplicate the material complexity of the brain is therefore to duplicate everything about it.
But how long will it take to built a computer complex enough to duplicate the human brain? Perhaps not as long as some think. Long before we approach a computer, we will perhaps build a computer that is, at least, complex enough to design another computer more complex than itself. This more complex computer could design one still more complex than itself. This more complex compute could design one still more complex and so forth.
In other words, once we pass a certain critical point, the computers take over and there is a "complexity explosion." In a very short time thereafter, computers may exist that will not only duplicate the human brain – but will perhaps surpass it. Will a time ever come when a man will have to handover the job to someone who can do it better than him.
Yes! Perhaps. But we will have to wait till such a wonder takes place!
Notes:
Most scientists and knowledgeable observers agree that computers will change our lives more completely than the automobile, television, or any technological innovation has done so far. How far can computers go? Science writer Isaac Asimov compares the computer with the human brain. His conclusions may frighten you. They're sure to make you stop and think. But computers definitely are going to create havoc, somewhere, sooner or later! Let's wait and see!
Words
Meaning
Complicated
Difficult to understand
Device
A thing made for a particular purposes
Compose
Write with great care
Complexity
State of being complex
Duplicate
Make an exact copy
Conceive
Form an idea in the mind
Symphony
Long complex musical composition
EXERCISES
i) The human brain weighs
(a) two pounds (b) three pounds (3) four pounds and (4) five pounds
ii) How many nerve cells are in human brain?
(a) ten billion (b) eleven billion (c) twelve billion and (4) thirteen billion
iii) The cells of human brain are
(a) separate (b) disconnected (c) interconnected and (d) different
iv) The computer can solve a mathematical problem
(a) slower than a man (b) in no time (c) in a long period and (d) faster than a brain
v) The computers are programmed to
(a) solve the mathematical problems (b) think to create (c) plan and (d) forecast
Q:2 Put a tick (-/) on the correct.
i) Computers can/cannot think for us. (-/)
ii) Computers can/cannot dream for us. (-/)
iii) Computers can do (-/)/can't do what men have given them.
iv) Computer is / is not the equivalent of human brain. (-/)
vi) The human brain is (-/) / is not the most complicated thing.
Q:3 Answer the following questions.
i) In what single word can difference between a brain and a computer be expressed?
Ans: The difference between a brain and a computer can be expressed in a single word, 'complexity'.
ii) How much does the human brain weigh?
Ans: The human brain weighs only three pounds.
iii) How long will it take to built a computer complex enough to duplicate the human brain?
Ans: Perhaps it will not take as long as some think to build a computer complex enough to duplicate the human brain.
iv) Can computers think? Explain your answer.
Ans: There are three definitions about thinking. According to the first definition 'thinking' means to solve a problem. According to the second definition 'thinking' means to follow a programme. According to the third definition 'thinking' means creativity like writing a play, composing a symphony, in conceiving a scientific theory, or a judgment. In the first sense, a computer can think. In the second sense, a computer can also think because it also follows a programme or programmes. In the third sense, a computer certainly can't think.
v) Do you think computers have the capacity to take over the world? Why or why not?
Ans: At present, computers do not have the capacity to take over the world because they can not think like men.
Q:4 Read the lesson carefully. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given below.
Cells three, thinking, think, ten, complexity, fed, programmed
i) The difference between a brain and a computer can be expressed in one word complexity.
ii) The human brain weighs three pounds.
iii) There are ten billion nerve cells in the human brain.
iv) Can a computer think?
v) Computers solve problems only because they are programmed.
vi) Computers can do only what men have fed in them.
vii) The creativity that goes into writing a great play or composing a symphony is defined as thinking.
viii) The brain is made up of cells.
Q:5 Connect part of the sentence in column I with relevant part of the sentence in column II.
Column I --------------------------------------- Column II
Complexity (1) -------------------------------- A mathematical problem (2)
A computer can solve (2) --------------------The difference between a brain and a computer. (1)
Computers solve problems (3) ------------ That goes into writing a play or composing a symphony. (4)
Thinking is creativity (4) ------------------- Because they are programmed to do so (3)
The brain is made up of cells (5) ---------- In a certain arrangement. (5)
Q:6 Use the following words in sentences of your own.
Size
What is the size of a computer?
Complicated
A computer can solve complicated problems.
Device
A keyboard and a mouse are input devices.
Program
Do you know how to install a program in computer?
Compose
He composed a message on computer and sent it to his friend.
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