The Unlikely Possibility Of Computers Replicating The Human Mind

8 Pages 1947 Words

For the past thirty years, computers have evolved so quickly, shattering the so-called processor speed barriers. From copper based processors whose physical size could make up a whole room, to the silicon chip which could fit on a palm of a hand able to process information a thousand times faster. To date, computers are still constantly being developed and its technology constantly being improved for faster, smaller, more efficient processors. As their processing prowess constantly rise, one question comes to mind, would computers someday be able to completely replicate the human mind. This essay aims to prove that it is not possible for a computer to replicate the human mind.

Many argue that computers will never be able to imitate the human mind. Computers are not able to comprehend the underlying reasons for their processes. For example, a computer may be able to do the same tasks humans do, maybe even better than humans, yet it cannot understand the reasons for doing these tasks. Also, in order for computers to replicate human thinking, it must be able to comprehend human emotions the same way human beings do. More than often, human thoughts and cognitive processes are influenced by emotions like love, anger, desire and many more. The human mind, therefore, is inseparable from emotions. Another argument against the replication of human minds with computers is that computers are not able to negotiate the same way humans do. Computers can only work on purely logical, binary processes of yes or no. Humans can decide to go in between those two choices. To elaborate this concept, there will be a hypothetical situation created to demonstrate this argument. Most importantly is the question of self-consciousness and free will. Will computers be able to be self-aware of their world and their surroundings and most importantly themselves? The concept of self consciousness is also discussed in the philosophical theory of Cartesian dualism. A...