Futurology

Per Kurzweil, "all" we have to do is simulate every neuron in the brain. And supposedly this will be possible in the coming decades.

Maybe that will be computationally possible but I am extremely skeptical that this is sufficient to achieve a general human-like intelligence.

Since a brain without sensors probably isn't going to be much use and because the more we learn the more interconnected everything is such as the interconnectedness of gut biome and mental health, I don't think you can simply isolate and simulate the brain and get humanlike intelligence

Even expanding to the entire nervous system probably isn't sufficient because of all the interconnectedness (much of which we may not even realize yet)

But even if the simulation could be simplified, there's the crucial matter of childhood development.

I get the impression (from reading a little about early development) that our cognition doesn't develop in a vacuum but is built on movement and sensory input. Like if a baby doesn't get enough tummy time they don't learn to crawl as easily which can affect their entire development. Or like if infants aren't held they die. Touch and caring and such are required for normal, healthy development.

Could a simulated brain learn abstract concepts without a physical body to grasp things (or stick them in its mouth lol) as it develops from infancy onward?

General intelligence is, I think, the ability to exist in, interact with, and adapt to our world and the things and creatures in it. So being unable to physically interact with the world I don't see how a simulated nervous system would be of much use.

Not that it is impossible but making an artificial body is going to take a lot longer to develop.