Computer analogy - Answers

Serial and Parallel Processors and the Virtual Machine (after Dawkins, 1987)

Another interpretation can be derived from the work of philosopher Daniel Dennett and his work on human consciousness. Dennett developed a means to explain consciousness from an analogy of the way a modern computer works. The computer can be divided into two basic components: the Central Processor Unit (CPU) and the User Interface. The CPU is the complex inner workings of a computer. Most computers have serial processors, that is they work on tasks one after the other at high speed. It operates so quickly that we have the impression that it is working on these jobs simultaneously. That is it gives us the illusion that it is parallel processor. Parallel processors are effectively several serial computers connected together in order to complete a single task. The task is broken down into smaller parts and each one is dealt with at the same time. The parallel processor is clearly much faster than its serial counter part.

The User Interface is what we see on the screen. It is composed icons and buttons, which we could call the “virtual machine”. When these virtual keys on the screen are pushed or moved with the curser through the mouse, they activate many complex operations with in the CPU. Without the virtual machine the computer would be only accessible to the specialist. The Virtual Machine renders the computer “user friendly”.

The mind operates on two different levels. The first is the simultaneous reception and analysis of information in its surroundings. For example we all possess at least five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. Our sense organs receive and process data constantly and simultaneously: that is, it works in a parallel fashion.

The second is best described as our thoughts or inner voice, and it is analogous to the virtual machine. Our inner voice puts into words what we are feeling and the analyses of these sensations. Our thoughts occur in a serial way, occurring one after the other, and giving us a commentary on what is happening around us. It can also enter into an internal dialogue and make decisions thus giving the body instructions on what to do and how to act in response to a certain situation. The inner voice is aware of itself and its surroundings, in other words, it is our consciousness. It seems that the key to this question is language. Information passed through language is serial.

The fact that we can serialize thought and transform them into words means we can pass on interpretations and descriptions of our environment, give instructions and generally share hard earned knowledge. This leads to the group gaining greater control over the environment. Additionally, there is considerable advantage in sharing knowledge with kin. This would boost the chances of continuation of parental genes, which is thought to be the essential goal of evolution. Furthermore, Pinker (1997) argues that coherence and eloquence may be interpreted as a sign of intelligence and thus a factor that determines mate selection.