The Human Algorithm

Are people algorithms?

As per Wikipedia:

“Most algorithms are intended to be implemented as computer programs. However, algorithms are also implemented by other means, such as in a biological neural network (for example, the human brain implementing arithmetic or an insect looking for food), in an electrical circuit, or in a mechanical device.”

The article makes mention of an insect looking for food as exhibitive of an algorithm at work. But how different is that from a person looking for food? Or sex? Or recreation?

Let me say what started this line of thinking:

I was getting on the freeway the other day and I saw a man selling newspapers near the entrance ramp. Now, I did not stop to ask him whether or not he was homeless, but the tell-tale signs of ill-fitting, dirty clothes and a very large pack with a sleeping mat rolled up and connected to it were all there.

I did not give him anything. And, again, I must admit that this thesis I am about to expound upon was conceived as a justification for me not giving this particular man anything.

As I watched the man, he began fanning himself with a newspaper. It was probably near 80F out, but not warmer than that. However, one standing in direct sunlight at this temperature for more than ten minutes would begin to get over heated. But then I saw that, not more than ten feet away there was a broad swath of shade created by the freeway overpass. Yet, this man, for whatever reason, though obviously feeling warmer than was comfortable, chose to continue standing in the sun.

I thought, “This scenario is indicative of his ability to make choices. His inability to make successful choices is why he is homeless and selling newspapers as opposed to living in a group home and working at McDonalds; as opposed to living in a 7 bedroom, 10 bath home, making his living as a tort-reform attorney.”

I considered that no matter the amount of money I gave the man, he would end up back at this very spot because his choice-making algorithm is situated such that it has a disposition toward failure.

Before you get angry, realize that I am fully aware that I am asking you (whomever reads or replies) to consider a terribly crass notion about our fellow humans. And I am willing to expose my theory (not just on the homeless, but on the human brain in general) to the O-Nerd Crucible.

Of course we can dice up the meanings of ‘success’ and ‘failure’, but I think we can agree that selling newspapers on a Saturday morning in the sun is not the epitome of comfort or success.

Caveat: My little brother is a janitor at a mall. He smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. He has a girlfriend who he loves and who loves him. He is happy about it all. I do not understand his happiness. But he feels good about his life and, as hard as it is for me to understand, I think that is success.

I would like to focus more on the idea of people operating according to their own personal algorithm; the idea that personalities and choice-making skills are determined. And watch out: I am NOT talking about some sort of triangulated determinism where an external god creates a path on earth for each person and each person has no say in what happens to him or herself.

NO! People are responsible for their own actions, but I think the types of actions and choices one takes and makes may be…how should I say…algorithmic(?).

Keep in mind that algorithms can take into account randomness: “The transition from one state to the next is not necessarily deterministic; some algorithms, known as probabilistic algorithms, incorporate randomness.” – wiki

This is more along the lines of how I think of human choice making abilities: that they are likely probabilistic algorithms.

Also, after reading the wiki entries on algorithms, I have a better understanding of them, but not that great. Without this flowchart, I would still think of algorithms as equations. To say the related math is a bit over my head is an understatement. It took me three years of Algebra I to finally earn a passing grade. I say this because if I am flawed in my understanding of algorithms, I will not be offended if someone ‘schools’ me. So please let me know.

I have a tendency to create definitions for myself based on my level of understanding. Obviously, this is a manifestation of my own algorithm: I tend to be satisfied with understanding a mathematical principle only insomuch that it allows me to employ that principle as a metaphorical device.

This ‘tick’ in my algorithm has kept me out of such logic-based fields as math, physics and computer programming: all things I am highly interested in at the theory or concept level, but mired in frustration at the application level. I tend to use various components from those fields as metaphors for human social events and scenarios, but I have the sneaking suspicion that I never accurately understand.

I just did a Google search of “people are algorithms” and it returned this link to the Small Business School. The article talks about eHarmony using algorithms to create their “perfect matches”. The article also mentions the application of this type of algorithm for HR departments; finding out if a person is a good fit for a company.

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