Relative strengths of humans and computers: historically, which tasks have computers done better than people, especially in early AI eras?

Introduction / Context:
Comparing human and machine capabilities clarifies where AI brings leverage. Historically, computers excel at deterministic, high-volume, and precise tasks, while humans excel at flexible, context-rich reasoning. Early AI emphasized symbolic reasoning and search but relied on the computational strengths of storage and arithmetic provided by digital hardware.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider traditional, long-recognized strengths of computers.
• We contrast them with human strengths such as flexible adaptation.
• We focus on tasks rather than philosophical claims.

Concept / Approach:
Computers are unmatched at rapid, error-free arithmetic and at storing/retrieving large volumes of structured information. They struggle with open-ended novelty and contextual interpretation without extensive training or rules. Therefore, “storing information” and “computing numerically” align with machine strengths; “responding flexibly” characterizes human advantage, especially in earlier eras.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Benchmarks from the earliest computers onward demonstrate that arithmetic throughput and data storage scale with hardware, while flexible cognition remains challenging; this is why AI research exists as a distinct field.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Responding flexibly: historically a human strength, not a traditional machine advantage.
• Only storage or only arithmetic: each is true, but the combined option captures both strengths.
• None: incorrect because computers excel at both (b) and (c).

Common Pitfalls:
Overgeneralizing recent machine-learning advances to all forms of flexibility; ignoring the historical context of the question.

Final Answer:
Both storing information and computing numerically