human vs machine

[Eugen Leitl]

On 11 Aug 1995, Marc Anton wrote:

> People always say that we can model, or rather, recreate
> the higher human brain processes "given 
> enough computer memory, speed, power, etc." but that's tantamont to

Yes, what's wrong with this claim?

> saying we could do the same with ..... abacus's, toothpicks, 
> etc. there's no point in going on like that because both with 
> abacus's or computers the desired outcome is above and beyond
> our ability to even fathom.  If a human brain-like creation were

I do not quite understand your point, but in fact, there is no
difference functionally in the level of implementations. Take
pebbles, toothpicks or who knows what. But of couse things
like practicability of implementation, so of course we'd settle
for the fastest, smallest and cheapest pebbles there are: electrones
and photones.

> to arise it would be an entirely different animal that what we
> we thought we were constructing.

I mean if you set out to model a thing at arbitrary level of
precision you arrive at something entirely different in terms
of functionality. Excuse me, but that does not make sense. 
Computer models are evaluated by the degree of congruence
with the thing you are trying to model.

> Also, the human brain is not just a calculating machine.

I think I just felt some comp.ai deja vu here.. but: this is a 
claim. Please produce some evidence. (Of course the opposite
has also to be proved: a draw. But at least we have models
to show, but not the other side.)

> And signals, are just signals, they do not constitute thought, 
> emotions, feelings, etc. in and of themselves, just as the 26 
> letter of the alphabet your're reading here don't constitute the
> intellect at your end.

And neuron spikes are not neuron spikes, potential gradients
(maintaining them consumes 20% of the total energy by a 1.4 kg 
orgain in a 70 kg human), extensive neuromotoric infrastructure is 
some just elaborate mating display, without any connection to the 
mind. Which dwells at some higher, unspecified level or even at 
another plane of being.

I dunno, but I just couldn't dig the last argument. 
If the mind does not dwell in the brain, where else?

-- Eugene

> 
> -Marc
> 
> 
>