Descartes believed that the human functioned semi-mechanically. However, our lab results do not fully support this argument. Our reaction times improved with practice, whereas machines cannot think to do things faster. Their improvement is achieved only by changing the machinery to have faster, more efficient gears. Later theories expounded on Descartes', proposing that humans were different from animals only by being more "finely constructed mechanisms." This theory completely disregards the human soul. I think it is this very thing that enables us to decide to catch the ruler and motivate us to try and improve our speed.
I agree with your statement very much, and especially your point regarding the human soul. A machine does not have the motivation that a human possesses; therefore, we do not function as a machine would. Also, the difference between humans and animals is not necessarily being more finely constructed mechanisms but rather that the size of our brains allow for more complex processes. Animals still have a soul as do humans. Otherwise, we would not see the various personality traits in animals that we consider pets, such as dogs. Anyway, this experiment is an example of a challenge that a human can take on without someone's assistance whereas a machine cannot improve without assistance.
