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The Type 1301 Computer (pictured) is an algorithmic thinking machine. When the computer is presented with a problem, it will approach the solution to the problem by processing the known data according to a series of rules. In other words, it 'thinks' according to a predetermined set of instructions.
An object-oriented or multi-threaded program will approach a problem according to a more intricate network of parallel processes, but ultimately (barring the introduction of true randomness) every computer's set of behaviors can be reduced to a single large algorithm, or a series of answerable "IF...THEN" statements.
A way of describing more advanced "intelligent" behavior (such as that occasionally displayed by humans) is according to heuristics.
Heuristics are general formulations or "common sense" principles, our "best guess" when a clear "rule" is not readily available to guide a decision. These principles are a combination of instinctive behavior rules (example: don't touch hot surfaces!), general observations about the lessons of life (example: first impressions count!), and axioms we create for ourselves through sheer deduction or force of will (example: i have a right to say whatever i please).
Artificial Intelligence researchers often see heuristic thinking as the key to creating machines capable of simulating human thought. When presented with an unforeseen or unique problem, a heuristic computer can apply a large set of general guidelines to create a new solution - rather than simply applying an algorithm.
How sad it is, then, when we see human beings approaching their own opinions according to algorithmic principles. Especially when it comes to art. Why must people seek strict rules, algorithmic rules lacking the nuance of even the simplest of human decisions, and try to apply these rules art. "Art should do blah, art should be blah."
I generally describe the difference between my two main web sites (graphpaper.com and askrom.com), as the difference between art and science. This separation, however, is completetly artificial and is in many ways a bit of a joke. The only rules are those two wonderfully ambiguous words art and science. These rules are interpreted according to my own idiosyncratic whims, my soft heuristics - not according to any strict, empirical rules or according to an intelligent computer program.
I'm pretty sure I'm not an algorithm.
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