Calculative Decisions

Your brain has a calculator function. You’re probably unaware of this function, specifically, but you use it every day (assuming you’re not brain dead), and the capabilities of this function are far beyond any artificially produced calculator! You probably think to yourself; well that cant be true. My calculator can do massive, complex numerical calculations instantly and my brain can’t even compare. This may be partially true, as the conscious part of your brain really can’t do such vast numerical calculations so quickly, but your brain does much more complex equations than the basic distinct numerical values that your artificial calculator does.

An organic lively brain can take in such an immense variety of variables for a calculation, that a store bought calculator seems like a useless toy in comparison. Every time you make a decision, you are theoretically solving a complex equation involving a large quantity of variables, each with a value to a degree that is very difficult to distinguish.  Of course your organic calculator isn’t exceptionally accurate –except perhaps, arguably, in the rare case of a high functioning genius- which is why you often make mistakes or regrettable decisions. But inaccurate calculations should be expected when there’s such a vast expanse of variables to estimate the value of. In any science or mathematical operation, with imprecise values of variables, come imprecise values of answers. In practice of these calculations within regular life; the variables are anything relevantly influencing the ultimate effect of the outcome of the decision. The value of these variables is how likely they are to influence the outcome, as well as the degree that it influences. The result to the calculation is the option presented within the decision, which has the (typically indistinct) highest probability of being most beneficial.  These complicated calculations can be done by “dumb” animals, just as by humans.

Animals do the calculations subconsciously, without knowing they’re doing it, while humans (at least some of the time) do the calculation consciously, being aware that a decision is being made. The relevant advantage of the human brain is of course the capability to make an intellectual decision, rather than the -understandably considered- inferior typical animals brain, acting on pure instinct, without awarefully analysing the situation, and general variables present. The particular mechanism used within a brain, (which makes the distinguishment of the value -of the potentially large quantity of variables-) determines whether the choice ultimately made, is a conscious intellectual decision, or a subconscious instinctual action. This humanly unique capability of conscious awareness is theoretically what has given us such an advantage in life, allowing such dominance, expansion, and reign. The capability to consciously analyze any situation, and calculate a decision based on relative valuations, seems to have proven throughout the history of Earth, to be effectively more accurate, and in turn beneficial. At least self-servingly short term…