Philosophers have proposed two general concepts of the human brain and how it functions. The a priori theory presupposes a certain amount of “wired-in” knowledge: instincts, ideals, and so on. The other theory, that of the tabula rasa or clean slate new brain, argues that each of us organizes an essentially random net of nerves into ordered intelligence. Both theories are being investigated with computers, and as a result light is beginning to be shed on the workings of our brains.
The Upjohn Company, Ezra Stoller Associates Photo
“A moment at a concert” is diagrammed by brain model, showing eyes, ears, nerves, and structures analogous to brain. Picture at top represents perception.
There is another division of philosophical thought in the mechanistic versus elan vital argument. In other words, is the entire mind to be found in its constituent parts, or is there an intangible extra something that really breathes life into us? Whatever the correct concept, the brain does record impressions it can later recall. No one yet knows just how this is done, but several theories have been advanced. One of these describes a “chain circuit” set up in a neuron network by messages from the body’s sensors. This circuit, once started, continues to circle through the brain and is on tap whenever that particular experience needs to be recalled. The term “reverberate” is used in connection with this kind of memory, seeming to be a good scientific basis for the poetic “echoes of the past.” Reverberation circuits also provide the memory for some computers.
Among other explanations of memory is that of conditioning the neurons to operate more “easily,” so that certain paths are readily traversed by brain impulses. This could be effected by chemical changes locally, and such a technique too is used in computers.
However the brain accomplishes its job, it is certain that it evolved in its present form as a result of the environment its cells have had to function in for billions of years. Its prime purpose has been one of survival, and for this reason some argue that it is not particularly well adapted to abstract reasoning. Although the brain can do a wide variety of things from dreaming to picking out one single voice amid the hubbub of noise at a social gathering—a phenomenon scientists have given the descriptive name of “cocktail party effect”—men like Ashby consider it a very inflexible piece of equipment not well suited to pure logic. As a test of your brain as a logical device, consider the following problem from the Litton Industries “Problematical Recreations.”
If Sara shouldn’t, then Wanda would. It is impossible that the statements: “Sara should” and “Camille couldn’t” can both be true at the same time. If Wanda could, then Sara should and Camille could. Therefore Camille could. Is this conclusion valid?
If your head starts to swim, you are not alone. Very few humans solve such problems easily. Interestingly, those who do, make good computer programmers.
The Computer’s Brain
Just as we have an anthropomorphic God, many people have done their best to endow the computer with human characteristics. Not only in fiction but also in real life, the electronic brains have been described as neurotic and frustrated on occasion, and also as being afraid and even having morning sickness! A salesman for a line of computers was asked to explain in understandable terms the difference between two computers whose specifications confused a customer. “Let’s put it this way,” the salesman said, “The 740 thinks the 690 is a moron!”