Introduction
This essay explores the profound question of why humans exist, approached from the unique perspective of computer engineering. While this question traditionally falls within philosophy or theology, a computer engineering viewpoint allows us to consider human existence through the lenses of artificial intelligence (AI), computational models of life, and the role of humans in technological systems. The purpose of this essay is to examine human existence as a complex system influenced by evolutionary algorithms, data processing, and purpose-driven design. The discussion will focus on three key areas: the evolutionary perspective interpreted through computational thinking, humans as information processors, and the teleological implications of human-technology symbiosis. By integrating these perspectives, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of human existence within a technological framework.
Evolutionary Computation and Human Origins
From a computer engineering standpoint, human existence can be conceptualised as the result of an evolutionary algorithm, a process akin to optimisation techniques used in machine learning. Evolutionary algorithms mimic natural selection, where solutions (or species) evolve over generations through mutation, selection, and reproduction to adapt to environmental challenges (Goldberg, 1989). Similarly, humans have evolved over millions of years through genetic variations and environmental pressures, resulting in a species uniquely capable of abstract thinking and tool-making. This computational analogy suggests that humans exist as an ‘optimal solution’ to specific survival problems in Earth’s dynamic system. However, this perspective has limitations; unlike coded algorithms with predefined goals, human evolution lacks a clear ‘programmer’ or end objective, raising questions about whether our existence is purposeful or merely emergent. This ambiguity invites further exploration into whether humans can be seen as self-programming entities within a larger computational universe.
Humans as Information Processors
Another angle to consider is humans as sophisticated information-processing systems, a concept central to computer engineering. The human brain, often likened to a neural network, processes vast amounts of data through sensory inputs, stores information in memory, and generates outputs via decision-making and actions (Haykin, 1999). From this viewpoint, humans exist to collect, process, and disseminate information, thereby contributing to the collective knowledge of society—much like nodes in a distributed computing network. For instance, cultural advancements and technological innovations can be seen as iterative ‘updates’ to humanity’s shared database. Nevertheless, this analogy is not without critique; human cognition involves emotions and subjective experiences that current computational models struggle to replicate (Searle, 1980). Thus, while the information-processing model provides a compelling rationale for human existence, it arguably oversimplifies the depth of human consciousness, suggesting a need for more advanced computational theories to bridge this gap.
Human-Technology Symbiosis and Purpose
Finally, the symbiosis between humans and technology offers a teleological perspective on why humans exist. In computer engineering, humans design and deploy machines to solve complex problems, from AI algorithms for medical diagnostics to autonomous systems in transportation. Yet, technology increasingly shapes human purpose, as we adapt to and depend on digital ecosystems (Brynjolfsson and McAfee, 2014). This interdependent relationship implies that humans may exist to drive technological progress, acting as creators and maintainers of systems that extend beyond biological capabilities. For example, the development of the internet has redefined human connectivity, suggesting a collective purpose in building a globally integrated network. However, this raises ethical concerns about whether technology diminishes human agency, positioning us as mere components in a larger machine. Therefore, while this symbiosis highlights a potential purpose for human existence, it also prompts critical reflection on maintaining balance in this relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, approaching the question of why humans exist through a computer engineering perspective reveals multiple dimensions of understanding. By viewing human origins as an outcome of evolutionary computation, we recognise an emergent process of adaptation. Considering humans as information processors underscores our role in managing and advancing knowledge, while human-technology symbiosis suggests a purpose intertwined with technological innovation. Collectively, these perspectives provide a framework to interpret human existence as both a product of natural computation and a driver of artificial systems. However, each view has limitations, highlighting the complexity of defining purpose in computational terms. The implication for computer engineering is the need to develop models that better capture human uniqueness, potentially inspiring future research into AI that mirrors human consciousness more closely. Ultimately, while a definitive answer to human existence remains elusive, this technological lens offers valuable insights into our role within a digitised world.
References
- Brynjolfsson, E. and McAfee, A. (2014) The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W.W. Norton & Company.
- Goldberg, D.E. (1989) Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization, and Machine Learning. Addison-Wesley Professional.
- Haykin, S. (1999) Neural Networks: A Comprehensive Foundation. Prentice Hall.
- Searle, J.R. (1980) Minds, Brains, and Programs. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(3), pp.417-457.
