Some Implications of Comparing Brain and Computer Processing

Like a computer, the human brain inputs, processes, stores and outputs information. Yet the brain evolved along different design principles from those of the Von Neumann architecture that lies behind most computers in operation today. A comparison of human and computer information processing styles suggests basic differences in: 1. Control (Central vs. Distributed), 2. Input (Sequential vs. Parallel), 3. Output (Exclusive vs. Overlaid), 4. Storage (by Address vs. by Content), 5. Initiation (Input vs. Process driven) and 6. Self Processing (Low vs. High). The conclusion is that the brain is a different type of information processor, not an inferior one. This suggests replacing technological utopianism with socio-technical progress, where computers plus people form more powerful systems than either alone. For this to occur, the computer must change its role from clever actor to simple assistant.