Computers Cannot Make Decisions

A recent discussion on Hacker News explores the philosophical and technical limitations of computing, arguing that computers are fundamentally incapable of making decisions. The author posits that what we perceive as machine decision-making is merely the execution of pre-programmed logic or probabilistic patterns derived from training data. Unlike human cognition, which involves agency, context, and moral responsibility, software operates within a deterministic or stochastic framework defined by its creators. The article challenges the current trend of anthropomorphizing artificial intelligence, suggesting that the term 'decision' is a misnomer when applied to algorithms. By stripping away the illusion of machine autonomy, the piece encourages a more grounded understanding of how technology functions, emphasizing that responsibility for outcomes must always remain with human operators. This perspective serves as a critical reminder of the boundaries between computational processing and genuine intellectual judgment.