If we’re going to be picky, also the idea that only neurons are relevant isn’t right; if you replaced each neuron with a neuron-analog (a chip or a neuron-emulation-in-software or something else) but didn’t also replace the non-neuron parts of the cognitive system that mediate neuronal function, you wouldn’t have a working cognitive system. But this is a minor quibble; you could replace “neuron” with “cell” or some similar word to steelman your point.
Yeah, The glia seem to serve some pretty crucial functions as information-carriers and network support infrastructure—and if you don’t track hormonal regulation properly, you’re going to be in for a world of hurt. Still, I think the point stands.
If we’re going to be picky, also the idea that only neurons are relevant isn’t right; if you replaced each neuron with a neuron-analog (a chip or a neuron-emulation-in-software or something else) but didn’t also replace the non-neuron parts of the cognitive system that mediate neuronal function, you wouldn’t have a working cognitive system.
But this is a minor quibble; you could replace “neuron” with “cell” or some similar word to steelman your point.
Yeah, The glia seem to serve some pretty crucial functions as information-carriers and network support infrastructure—and if you don’t track hormonal regulation properly, you’re going to be in for a world of hurt. Still, I think the point stands.