What if the programmer was capable of expressing "x" variables and a learning process intiated...I mean something similar to this is all ready with defense analysis computers. It's basically all math, but it wargames strategies to determine the most feasible outcomes...tho8ugh I wouldn't exactly call this learning as it is as much as evaluation...but lets say we set a program to follow certain protocols, ie...the "X" variables...asses, analyze, decide and memorize...that's basically learning without the overcomplications of philosophical fact gatherings and processes. Learning requires a lot, one thing is will another is focus. Computers have great focus, but honestjy could care less y they crunch numbers, there we go with the whole vulcan thing right... Soooo back to my other ??? why would it have to be analog or digital...what about protien synthesis, they are all ready building protien chips that can grow through use, though mostly failing now, it is a promising field. Imagine a puter that gets more powerful the more you use it.