Of Brains and Computers

Abstract

The human brain - which we consider to be the prototypal biological computer - in its current incarnation is the result of more than a billion years of evolution. Its main functions have always been to regulate the internal milieu and to help the organism/being to survive and reproduce. With growing complexity, the brain has adapted a number of design principles that serve to maximize its efficiency in performing a broad range of tasks. The physical computer, on the other hand, had only 200 years or so to evolve, and its perceived function was considerably different and far more constraint - that is to solve a set of mathematical functions. This however is rapidly changing. One may argue that the functions of brains and computers are converging. If so, the question arises if the underlaying design principles will converge or cross-breed as well, or will the different underlaying mechanisms (physics versus biology) lead to radically different solutions.