@ArnonWeinberg is admirably trying to make a canonical question+answer pair for questions comparing the human brain to a computer. This question allows us to quickly close similar questions as duplicates. I would like to discuss this question and it's format here.
Specifically, I feel the current format could be improved. I agree with @StevenJeuris about formatting the Question and Answer pair. I think a big general question, with specific sub-categorized answers would be helpful. Personally, I see the questions breaking down into:
- How does the brain use it's resources (processing, memory) compared to a computer
- How are brain algorithms different than computer algorithms.
I think the first question is definitely worth a canonical answer. However, I feel some questions under the second answer are acceptable as they are asking for example cognitive models. For example, I consider "How does the brain generate answers to questions?" and "How does a human classify or cluster data?" to be useful. Consequently, I don't think they should be closed as duplicates of the canonical question. However, I think "What is the data structure used by the brain to store data?" and "Does the brain have a 'debugging mode'?" are be based on the fallacy of the brain being a computer and should be closed as duplicates.
Does anyone else have other suggestions or concerns about this canonical question?