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EdwardZ-
What is the difference?
Categories.
An algorithm is a (usually iterative) rule or set of rules which generates an output from an input. When we make decisions, we do not necessarily follow rules. We can do that (after all, we invented algorithms :) ), but we're always free to decide otherwise. (We don't even necessarily need an input (a priori reasoning).)
Cutting to the chase, it all revolves around whether we have free will. Decisions are subject to free will, which machines categorically cannot have.
Needless to say, it's a rather complex philosophical topic with a long history.
Oliver Schick
They're not 'decisions' but outputs of algorithms.