The Human Brain is an extraordinary machine designed to make decisions. Every day, it processes an incalculable amount of information to help us navigate a complex and uncertain world.
When a question arises ("prompt" in AI language), the human brain begins by gathering data stored in its neurons. This data is the result of experience, learning, and memory. Similarly, an AI draws on the data provided during its training. Then, the brain calculates the probability of different answers based on context and available information, much like an AI uses algorithms to determine the most probable response. Finally, the brain chooses a binary response (yes or no) based on this probability, a process similar to how an AI generates an output.
The human brain and artificial intelligences share a remarkable ability to learn and adapt. The human brain learns through neuroplasticity, the ability of neurons to reorganize and form new connections based on experiences. For example, when a person learns to play a musical instrument, their brain physically modifies its neural networks to improve this skill.
The human brain is capable of creativity, generating new and original ideas by combining existing concepts in novel ways. For example, an artist can create a unique piece of art inspired by their experiences, emotions, and imagination.
While AIs are limited to probabilistic calculations based on objective data, the human brain incorporates subjective elements such as moods, mental state, anxieties, and tolerance thresholds. For example, a stressed or anxious person might interpret a situation differently from someone who is relaxed, even if the objective data is the same. These emotional and psychological factors play a crucial role in decision-making, adding a layer of complexity that AIs cannot authentically replicate.
The human brain and artificial intelligences share many basic mechanisms in their decision-making processes, but the human experience is enriched by unique emotional and contextual elements. Understanding these parallels and divergences allows us not only to appreciate the sophistication of our own brains but also to design AIs better adapted to more nuanced contexts.