CAJ: The Simulation Theory – 2.) Computationalism

Computationalism is the view that intelligent behavior is causally explained by computations performed by the agent’s cognitive system (or brain). Broadly speaking, cognition is computation. 

The most interesting notion of computationalism has explanatory power. It is said that computationalism could be related to computers. Computers perform impressive feats for example they solve mathematical problems. Therefore, it can be assumed that cognitive systems, our brain, work like computers. 

Especially neuroscientists, working in the field of “cognitive neuroscience” often affirm that the brain is a computer. Still, it is not obvious what this means. One possible explanation might be that the brain is involved in information-processing which can be described in algorithmic terms. 

For a better understanding it is helpful to use a computer metaphor in order to establish a link between the brain of a human being and a computer. The mind and a computer have several things in common: hardware, foundation software and application software.
The hardware of - let us call it - the “brain of a computer” composes of things like a monitor, a motherboard, a keyboard or a mice. The human mind, in comparison, has hardware too: DNA, proteins, neurons, veins and arteries. They all comprise the brain.
The foundation software of a computer is the operating system, for example Windows, Linus, MacOs. The operating system controls the basic functions of a computer and allows other programs to run on a computer. The application software of a computer ensures that things like word processing, Powerpoint etc. can be done on a computer.
It is very likely that the human brain must also have something analogous to an operating system because a human being has millions of applications that allow them to do all the things we do: movement, language, memory etc. 

In philosophy, the concept of computationalism is described as “Computational Theory of Mind (CTM)”.  In its modern form the theory was proposed by Hilary Putnam in 1961. It then was further developed by her PhD student and MIT philosopher and cognitive scientist Jerry Fodor in the two following decades. Especially in the 1980’s, CTM gained importance due to the fact that computer technology was rapidly growing and was also recognized by the public. Furthermore, by that time, computers had influenced the understanding of the mind through the influence of some projects in the sciences of cognition and in artificial intelligence. As can be seen, Computationalism can also be associated with artificial intelligence. Researches aim to endow machines with human-level competences in reasoning, language, problem-solving and perception. The ability of a machine to perform a “general intelligent action” would also be needed in order to establish a simulated reality. 

related CAJs:
 Artificial Intelligence

sources:

http://www.umsl.edu/~piccininig/Computationalism_in_the_Philosophy_of_Mind.pdf

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/computational-mind/

http://www.sanctuaryweb.com/computer-metaphor.php