Computers can do human things. Computers can do things that humans can’t. Humans might want to be as smart as computers. But, that doesn’t mean humans should think like computers. At least, not all the time.
Artificial Intelligence, like computers, follows a known human-programmed logic often based on mathematical formulas such as averages, probabilities, and relationships.
Computers can be programmed to generate random numbers. Computers can work through endless combinations. Computers can be programmed to make decisions.
There is no limit to what well-programmed computers or artificial intelligence can aid us in accomplishing. The key word here is “aid”, not “replace”.
Computers can do bad, good, or neutral things, such as: hack passwords; detect fraud; or play games like chess or Scrabble. Yet, computers don’t differentiate between good and bad tasks. A computer is indifferent to any task it is programmed to complete.
Computers perform their tasks devoid of emotion and passion. And, there are times when we want to eliminate the subjective human factor.
If creativity is about creating new combinations that haven’t existed before, computers can do that, too. Yet, if the final combination is useful or meaningful, computers can’t judge that. Human judgment is needed for that.
As with creativity, there are times when we need to go beyond logic and consider the unlikely. Just like laws, while reactionary and preventative, there always seems to be a new combination that wasn’t accounted for before, even if you keep updating the program.
Life is unpredictable, not programmable. And, so too are solutions and innovations to life’s problems. There is no formula to apply that can calculate the best, only, or optimal solution to human problems which are not mathematical problems with finite and distinct solutions.
When it comes to human situations, and human capabilities for innovation and creativity, humans will always be better than computers.
Inspired by the following posts:
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