Is it fair to compare humans to computers?

Question

I am asking if we should compare us to computers. Is this comparision fair? Why or Why not?

Given that we can design computers to "know" what is good, bad, beautiful, and so on, we can use these inputs to simulate almost any decision a human makes, but does this ability (basically to create AI) allow us to compare ourselves with computers?

Answer 1

We have our computer side and our human side. We can do the work of computers, but we realized such drudgery was better left to machines. And on the other side we are conscious entities that have self-awareness. We are aware that we are now in human bodies which resemble computers or robots in some respects. Are computers aware that they are machines created by men which can be programmed to resemble human responses?

Consciousness sets us apart from the inanimate objects composed of material energy only. So my answer is that it is not a fair comparison.

Answer 2

Of course not. Humans, although we do computations and logical figuring, have feelings, souls, and senses that computers dont. This life is full of so many things that will take "common" sense and a gut reaction based on experience and evidence that a computer just cant provide. Dont forget the human heart. The power of the human heart (human will) can not be underestimated. Thus we have all of the stories through out history of triumph against all the odds. To compare computers to humans is just simply ludicrous and the two are not even in the same ball park. Not to mention, the computations and information that a human can "possibly" attain is astronomical, much more than a computer...considering the fact that we only use 3-8% of our brain capacity...depending on what you do, learn, and retain in your life. Think of the possibilities!
What about our souls? Do computers have a chance to spend eternity with God? Did God give computers a soul?...No. Which makes them completely inferior to humans and also makes them not part of the "plan" of God.
So many arguements against the idea to even compare humans to computers....
but kudos to you for trying to learn!

Answer 3

I've read a fair amount of answers that say "no", because we have emotions and free will. But I pose that we have a series of inputs, and we make decisions from there. My father loved the stars and used to take me on nature walks, now when I smell the night air, I feel happy. This is input, causing an effect, that causes the decision to go for a midnight walk. We can program this into computers.

Basically, we are given inputs, and make decisions as such. So do computers. Emotions, are just another input. I believe it is very fair to compare the two. Of course, this assumes that computers are defined as devices that take in input and make decisions based on predisposed leanings....just like us.

Answer 4

Depends on the grounds of the comparison. If you're talking about, for example, the ability to add up large numbers, then yeah, the comparison is fair. On the other hand, they haven't made a computer yet that has free will or can produce art, so in those senses we remain incomparable.

Answer 5

The world is not a fair place to be in. Often enough, we are faced with the decision of using the ATM instead of waiting in line for the bank teller. Like it or not, we compare human to computers every single day.

Guess we just have to deal with "De facto".

Answer 6

It is Fair. Humans made computers. The computer has the same memory as a human. The only thing is that it can remember and save stuff and bring it back up. Its also faster and can you places faster. It knows where you are going. People had to put this information into it.

Answer 7

No. There are too many differences. First, human beings have emotions and opinions; they have the ability of independent thought. They can get fatigued and irritable. Computers, are programmed by people, so they are only as good as the programmers. They lack emotions, they have a faster recall, but not the memory capacity that human beings have. Computers lack imagination and creativity, that human beings possess.

Answer 8

No, because computers are machines. They're designed by humans but can't be compared to us. I mean humans design and make a lot of things but you wouldn't for instance compare a human to a toaster or a car. There's no comparison to to make.

Answer 9

It is very fair .. espicially if you compare what can both do
A Group of humans can make a computer
But can a 10000000000 Computer make 1 human ??

Answer 10

To compare does not mean to look down upon. We compare to optimize. So, there's no fairness or injustice in an act of science. Knowledge cannot be fair or unfair.

Unless your question means: Is it fair to consider (XXXX)better/smarter/faster/more intelligent, etc... than (YYYY)? In which case I need to know which of the two you believe is better/smarter/faster/more intelligent, etc... to be able to answer your question with the minimum level of accuracy.