We are all afraid that one day, computers and robots will invade our world and control us. With the evolution of technology and computer science appeared artificial intelligences, which are able to surpass us in many areas, such as intelligence, speed, accuracy, and reliability. What about creativity ?
Henning Beck is a famous german neuroscientist researcher. He is also known as a writer : in fact, his publications deal with creativity, brain and artificial intelligence. He also participates in conferences and meetings in order to popularize science. For instance, he took part in a TED talk in 2016, entitled « What is a thought ? How the brain creates new ideas ? ». In this video, Beck’s aim is to explain the brain functioning, and why the human brain is different from computers. He suggests a new way of working in order to be more creative. This method can be used by everyone, like students, researchers, employees, etc.
At first, Beck explains how we think, and more precisely, how a thought emerges in the brain, using a metaphor : in an orchestra, musicians must play together and synchronize themselves to create a melody. It is the same for brain cells : they have to be connected with each other in order to create a brain activity and a neural network. These links between brain cells make thinking possible.
In the opposite, computers use algorithms to process data and give a result. In this way, computers are faster, more efficient and accurate than us. Computers are perfect for complexe operations, which are complicated for us to solve. As humans, we are slower, irrational, and we make a lot of mistakes. That is what defines us, we are imperfect. According to Beck, this should be considered as a great quality : indeed, being imperfect allows us to surpass computers in several domains, such as creativity and innovation. We are able to think about new things, new ideas, new ways of seeing objects, etc. For example, we were taught that a chair is composed of four legs, a seat and a back, and we understood that a chair is used for sit down. Computers also know chair’s features, but they can’t understand that a gym ball can be used as a chair too. With our ability to understand our environment, we are able to change the way we see the world, the way we proceed and deal with the information. As Beck says : « Understanding is how you use the information to change your knowledge ».
Thereafter, Beck highlights an other human’s skill, which he names « inefficient thinking » : it means that, to make new ideas, we must get distracted and take breaks, just like genius do ! Indeed, studies show that people get a good idea in the shower, or during sport because they don’t focus on their issues. It is by doing automatic or boring stuffs that ideas come up.
To conclude about this TED talk, these are the three recommandations to be more creative : first, we have to use our ability to understand things, and not only analyze like computers. Secondly, it is important to chill and do something unrelated with our issues. Thirdly, we must challenge ourselves by being open-minded, in order to shake up our opinions and beliefs.
We really like this video because Beck uses a clear vocabulary and comprehensible sentences. He also uses metaphors and illustrations to explain his words. The fact of seeing drawings and pictures allow us to get the message conveyed by Beck. The topic of this TED talk is very interesting, because it shows that technology can’t surpass us in all fields. As humans, we are able to learn things and understand them, whereas a computer can only analyze data. We recommend this video for people who would like to understand human brain’s functioning, and learn more on how to make new ideas and develop their creativity.
Good viewing !
Words we have learned
To convey : transmettre, communiquer, faire part de.
To surpass : surpasser.
To highlight : souligner, mettre l’accent sur.
A neural network : un réseau neuronal.
Features : caractéristiques, particularités, traits.
Link for the video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJfFMoAgbv8
Michèle TARIDEC and Nina Dousse – M2 PPCECC – 2019-2020