Final answer:
Computers surpass human intelligence notably in speed of calculation, enabled by the shift from vacuum tubes to transistors and silicon chips.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computers surpass human intelligence in many ways, including the ability to calculate at an extraordinary speed. This efficiency in processing large amounts of information was made possible by the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors and silicon chips.
The introduction of these devices marked a giant leap forward in computing power, fueling a positive feedback loop where the use of computers to design and build even more powerful computers accelerated the development of computer technology exponentially.
Human beings, while possessing relatively great intelligence, use their brains as biological computers to perform tasks such as calculating the trajectory of a caught object or processing complex computations that involve coordination in three-dimensional space.
Early computers, like the Analytical Engine conceived by Charles Babbage, reflect the foundational concepts that underpin modern computing. Advanced computers have become deeply ingrained in various aspects of human life, from scientific research to everyday communication and entertainment.
The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) also emerges from the goal to create machines that simulate human thought and actions, as demonstrated by Alan Turing's work, which led to further investigations into AI during the Cold War era.
Ultimately, as technology continues to integrate with our daily lives, it parallels the early innovations such as stone tools or agricultural machinery that significantly reshaped human society. Today's digital technology impacts everything from urbanization to criminal justice, evidencing the profound role of computers and technological advancement in modern civilization.