Comments A:

In several ways, the relationship between computers’ software and hardware does indeed seem strikingly analogous to that which exists between humans’ mind and body. The degree of independency and mutual dependency seen in the relationship in each pair suggests some degree of correspondence, and specific connections between the corresponding elements (software and mind/soul; hardware and body) further underscore the connection, as do more general observations about the two pairs.

In terms of the relationship between each pair, the sort of independence and dependence exhibited seems similar in both cases. Computer software and computer hardware can exist independently of each other, just as a human soul and a human body can each exist while separated after death and before the resurrection. At the same time, in order to function fully, the elements of each pair depend on each other. A computer program (software) cannot operate without the computer hardware. The hardware also cannot perform the processes that the software is programmed to perform, unless it has had access to the software to gain the needed instructions. Thus the Wikipedia article (assigned for class) states, “A computer requires programs to function, and a computer program does nothing unless its instructions are executed by a central processor” (“Computer Program”). Likewise, the human body does nothing when not indwelt by a soul, and the human soul is inaccessible to us on earth after it has separated from its body in death. In fact, this may be the case even before death, if something damages the body so that the soul can no longer use it to accomplish its will. This would seem analogous to situation of computer software on a computer with damaged hardware. Therefore, the relationship between computer software and hardware and the relationship between the human body and soul seems similar in the interrelatedness of the parts of each pair.

Specific similarities between the elements of each pair further bolster this analogy. Hardware, for instance, requires energy to run—as do human bodies. Software works on many levels (operating systems, utility programs, etc.) (“Computer Program”), and this complexity seems reminiscent of the various faculties or levels of the human mind. The need for software such as compilers and interpreters to facilitate the running of programs also seems to suggest the complex functions of the human mind in its introspective and interpersonal functions. Likewise, language plays an important role in human thoughts and in computer programs—even if the way language is used in each case may be somewhat different.

More generally, one might also see connections in the origin of each pair and in the level of common understanding of it. Originally, someone greater than the computer hardware and software must have made the hardware and software. Likewise, Someone greater than humans originally made the human body and mind. Of course, there are differences as well, and one final parallel between these two pairs helps indicate the tentative nature of the connections highlighted above. With computer software and hardware, as with the human mind and body, many people (myself included) daily use and interact with these things, observe their relationship to each other, and yet have very little real understanding of what they are and how they work. Hopefully, as I continue to learn about computers (and human beings), I will be able to revise my understanding of this analogy and of each of the components in each pair.

Comments B:

After everything that I have learned this week, both in this class and in my Cognitive psychology class, I must reiterate my view that the relationship of software to hardware is not analogous to that of the soul to the body. One argument that I did not use before, but learned from Sample B was that the soul and the body are much more united than software and hardware, and that each can cause action in the other, as opposed to a more unidirectional relationship.

A question that we are examining in my Cognitive class is whether or not the mind and the brain are the same thing. I certainly do not think so, I believe that the mind (soul) is an independent entity from the brain. However, this discussion led me to think of what I believe to be a more adequate analogy. It seems to me that the relationship between hardware and software is similar to that between the brain and the intricate system of neural pathways that cause it to function. This analogy does represent the very important relationship that exists between the two, but it leaves out the intention or will that the soul carries with it but software lacks.

From what we have learned so far during the course of this class, I think that what we call “artificial intelligence” is very impressive, but a completely different phenomena from the type of intelligence that humans (or even some animals) exhibit. Humans have intentionality and will, and can process things in new ways if they need to (although it is sometimes difficult), whereas a computer can only do what it is scripted to do (even if that script includes some sort of learning, it only goes so far). Although I would not discourage research in the area, I am very pessimistic as to how far towards actual intelligence our computers will be able to go.

This is not to say, however, that the current “artificial intelligence” is worthless. As we have seen, computers are far superior to humans in that they are able to process thousands if not millions of times more information than the human brain in much less time. Powerful computers endowed with very well written programs will undoubtedly continue to surprise and benefit the world in which we live. I am very excited to be alive in such a fast-paced and exciting time in history such as now.