Back Home Up Next

 

Microprocessor Design – Intel Pentium Processor
Written by Glen Hendler, October 2001

“The advance of technology is inherently an evolutionary process. Indeed, it is a continuation of the same evolutionary process that gave rise to the technology-creating species. Therefore, in accordance with the Law of Accelerating Returns, the time interval between salient advances grows exponentially shorter as time passes. The “returns” (i.e., the value) of technology increases exponentially over time.”
- Ray Kurzweil, The Evolution of life forms leads to the evolution of technology, p. 27, “The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence”

 http://www.kids-online.net/learn/clickjr/details/cpu.html

Geared Up for the 21st Century
Written by Katherine Benziger, Arlene Taylor
PHYSIOLOGICAL ROOTS OF JUNG'S MODEL
The initial validating link between the work of C. G. Jung and neurophysiology was originally suggested to Benziger fifteen years ago by Dr. Karl Pribram, then Director of Stanford Behavioral Research labs. Benziger then developed a comprehensive neurophysiologically-based model, which in its present form represents a synthesis of work by Dr. Karl Pribram, Dr. Hans Eysenck of London, Dr. Richard Haier of San Diego and several dozen other less well-known researchers.
...
THE FOUR FUNCTIONS
Functional specialization in the brain has long been an accepted fact. It should not be surprising, therefore, that the current wave of brain research in the United States and elsewhere shows Jung's four specialized functions to be the visible/audible expression of four specialized sections of tissue within the cortex. Thinking and Intuition are rooted respectively in the much-touted Left Frontal and Right Frontal Lobes, referred to in the Benziger Model as Frontal modes. Sensing and Feeling are rooted in the Left and Right Posterior Cortical Convexities, referred to in the Benziger Model as Basal Modes. (Refer to Illustration 1).

   Note the functional similarities between the human cognitive functions in their respective quadrants and the CPU functions in this Intel Pentium processor. According to the Intel site this image appears to be the 1993 Pentium processor but I haven't found a similar image on Intel's site which also shows the functions as the one above does (from a site aimed at children).  However, you can read the following Intel PDF document which describes the identified functions, "1997 Intel Pentium® Processor Family Developer’s Manual". 

    The most important point to make is that the designers of this processor did not create it with a “conscious” understanding of cognition and the location of their own functions. Instead they produced it subconsciously without an understanding of how their own minds work. When you don’t understand yourself and how your mind works you will actually be a servant (or slave) to your own unconscious thoughts.

    For many reasons I find it extremely probable that individuals that could be described as INTJs are most responsible for the creation of low level computing devices and software.  With introverted intuition they are able to perceive inwardly to discern structure and are compelled by extroverted thinking to objectify and make real what they discover.  While I contend that INTJs make up a disproportionate percentage of engineers in technology advanced cultures I was told at an international conference on personality type that in less developed cultures they are found in disproportionate numbers as monks.

Careers for INTJ Personality Types
INTJs generally have the following traits:

bulletAble to absorb extremely complex theoretical and complex material
bulletDriven to create order and structure from theoretical abstractions
bulletReserved and detached from others
bulletCalm, collected and analytical
bulletExtremely logical and rational

    While I have been studying and using computers since the 1970s, I am no expert.   I will never the less attempt to equate the CPU functions with the human cognitive functions below.  It was somewhat difficult for me to find the definitions for the CPU functions. Because of this I may mismatch functional associations. Regardless, I think it is obvious that the functions and the locations correlate. That is, Sensing = Data, Feeling = Fluidic calculations, Intuition = Prediction and Fetch, and Thinking = Code and Logic. It’s also likely that the relative location of the functions is significant. That is, the Introverted functions are closer to the center and the Extroverted functions are further from the center.

Lower left quadrant (Equivalent to Sensing function)

bulletThe DATA CACHE may be associated with Extroverted Sensing.
bulletThe DATA TLB (To speed translation, a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) caches the map entries) may be associated to Introverted Sensing.
bulletThe MP LOGIC may be associated to Wernicke’s area.
 

Lower right quadrant (Equivalent to Feeling function)

bulletThe PIPELINED FLOATING POINT may be associated with Extroverted Feeling.
bulletThe SUPERSCALAR INTEGER EXECUTION UNITS function may be associated with Introverted Feeling.
bulletThe COMPLEX INSTRUCTION SUPPORT may be associated with the “un-named” language structure in this quadrant of the brain. It is analogous in structure to Wernicke’s area located in the opposite temporal lobe. It’s purpose is in interpreting and expressing the “harmonious”, subjective or fluidic meaning in language. People with well developed use of this function will speak with greater variety of inflection, intonation, and empathy.
 

Upper right quadrant (Equivalent to iNtuition function)

bulletThe INSTRUCTION FETCH may be associated with Extroverted iNtuition.
bulletThe INSTRUCTION DECODE may be associated with Introvered iNtuition.
bulletThe BRANCH PREDICTION LOGIC may be associated with the “un-named” language structure in this quadrant of the brain. This structure is analogous to Broca’s area in the opposite frontal lobe. I believe the purpose of this language structure is to create, anticipate and predict aspects of language.
 

Upper left quadrant (Equivalent to Thinking function)

bulletThe CODE CACHE may be associated with Extroverted Thinking.
bulletThe CODE TLB (translation lookaside buffer) may be associated with Introverted Thinking.
bulletThe BUS INTERFACE LOGIC may be associated with Broca’s area as this language structure is concerned with the appropriate and precise articulation of language.
 
bulletSpecial note: The “Clock Driver” in the front center. I believe this is analogous to the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in that it regulates the data transfer rate. The location is nearly identical to human physiology. (See Physiology of Type: Introversion and Extraversion,  Written by Katherine Benziger)
 

    It’s also important to note that given time, the development of such technology is an evolutionary eventuality. Without a conscious understanding of one’s own mind the subconscious will dominate thought and express itself. This should cause one to contemplate what other aspects of our existence are actually products of our subconscious. I believe that nearly everything is. Until you are able to consciously comprehend your own mind, your entire life will remain subservient to your subconscious processes.

“Throughout human history, we have been dependent on machines to survive. Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony.”
- Morpheus, The Matrix - "The Real World"

Back Home Up Next