Recording experiences using our brains and computers

If we put our minds to it, if we really focus we can note even a few photons of light, a few molecules of something that gives off an odor, the touch of a tip of feather. All that has been known for over a century of laboratory psychophysics studies. What is remarkable is our exquisite sensitivity to sensations. I mention this because it is yet one more version of the power of mindfulness of being able to attend and concentrate on the here and now. This may not seem that amazing to you because we all do it much of the time and so it is easy to think nothing of it. On the other hand it highlights once again the extraordinary properties of our working brain.

When it comes to recording our experiences it is also obvious that our brains are capable of amassing (recording) a continuous lifetime stream of experiences and making all that acquired knowledge available in memory. It should however be noted that availably does not always imply that we can access at will what is in memory.

Which brings me to the last point about computer models of how brains work. For decades scientists have designed computer models of brain function. Some scientists have also persisted in thinking that our brains function like computers. However, lately computer experts have designed computers that can learn from experience. In fact, in general, brain operations are more sophisticated and effective than even the most powerful computers in use today. It is therefore not surprising that computer buffs are turning to knowledge about brain information processing and trying to apply that knowledge to design better computers.