Digital Vs Analog
In this class we have discussed the concept of analog devices and digital devices and how they have come and gone through time. Being able to differ the two is incredibly important and can help understand the roots of technology. The primary difference between the two is that analog offers an infinite gradient of possibilities, while digital relies on a finite set of values.
The Comparison
Antikythera
This device most likely invented by the Ancient Greek is the oldest known computer in human history. It uses 1mm long precise gears along with different orbital rods for determining solar positions. Due to the machines ability to shift between positions without a finite number of possibilites this device is considered to be analog.
Human Brain
It is difficult to place the human brain in just one catagory. On one side there are many different chemical pathways and electrical pulses occuring between neuron and synapses that can have a gray amount of possibilites. The human brain can also be catagorized as digital having some other senses controlled by neuronal spikes where depending on the amount of spikes that occur triggering a different response that is more closely related to digital. This means that the human brain is both analog and digital.
Paintings
Old paintings such as The Night Watch by Rembrant showcase images of older history and different ideas by different authors. Thinking about paint and how it is possible to mix a little more of a different color at any different point leads to the idea that painting is innately analog. However, painters like Ana Tzarev have challenged this idea by not mixing paint and using the shade straight out the tube and limiting possibilities leading to the idea that paintings could be considered digital as well.Â
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is considered to be digital because it utilizes binary code and a series of algorithms to make decisions. Everything has a limit of possibilites and digital hardware to provide the most probable answer. There is a growing study toward analog artificial intelligence.
Choosing Digital or Analog?
Overall a large percentage of objects and concepts have factors that can allow for a digital and analog components meaning that its difficult to just have one or the other. Combining both analog and digital pieces can result in a better product that has the best from both worlds. It is difficult to say whether one is necessarily better than the other when they both have their own benefits.