Abstract:
We are apt to compare our brain to the most advanced technological devices we know. No wonder a computer is the most common candidate to represent the human brain. The paper shows that such a metaphor is of not very helpful due to the basic differences in the ways our and the computer operate. First of all, the computer works in accordance wit h strict algorithmic rules, while the mind uses heuristic strategies which take into account a probability of occurrence of events in question. The characteristics of our brain action finds its reflection in language. Accordingly, our verbal utterances are as a rule figurative, illogical and unpredictable. At the same time, it is pointed out that each human being is a highly emotive and hence unpredictable creature which provides for his/her unique nature and stands in sharp contrast with the most elaborated computer. Examples illustrating the above assumptions are given in the text.
