This is incorrect because the causal structure of a Turing machine simulating a human brain is very different from an actual human brain.
There are at least two causal structure levels in a computational system: the physical substrate level and the program level (and potentially more with multiple levels of simulation). A computational system is one that can organize it's energy flow (state transitions in the substrate) in a very particular way so as to realize/implement any computable causal structure at the program/simulation level.
The causal structure at the substrate level is literally factored out - it does not matter (beyond performance constraints). Universal computability is not a theory at this point - it is a proven hard true fact.
causal structure of a Turing machine simulating a human brain is very different from an actual human brain.
This statement contravenes universal computability, and is therefore false. A universal computer can instantiate any other causal structure. Remember: the causal structure at the substrate level is irrelevant due to the universality of computation. Causal structures can be embedded within other causal structures (multiple realizability).
A brain is just matter, and more specifically it is just an electromechanical biological computer. It is also just a conventional irreversible computer which dissipates energy along it's wires and junctions according to the same exact physical constraints that face modern electronic computers. It can be simulated because anything can be simulated!
Let's cut to the chase: are there any empirical predictions where your viewpoint disagrees with functionalism?
For example, I predict that within a decade or two, computers with about 10^14 ops will run human mind simulations, and these sims will pass any and all objective tests for human intelligence, self-awareness, consciousness, etc.
Furthermore, you won't be able to tell the difference between a human controlling a humanoid avatar in virtual reality and an AI controlling a humanoid avatar (imitating human control).
People will just accept that sims are conscious/self-aware for the exact same reasons that we reject solipsism.
causal structure of a Turing machine simulating a human brain is very different from an actual human brain.
This statement contravenes universal computability, and is therefore false. A universal computer can instantiate any other causal structure. Remember: the causal structure at the substrate level is irrelevant due to the universality of computation. Causal structures can be embedded within other causal structures (multiple realizability).
My statement does not contravene universal computability since I'm assuming a Turing machine can simulate a hu...
Recently published article in Nature Methods on a new protocol for preserving mouse brains that allows the neurons to be traced across the entire brain, something that wasn't possible before. This is exciting because in as little as 3 years, the method could be extended to larger mammals (like humans), and pave the way for better neuroscience or even brain uploads. From the abstract:
http://blog.brainpreservation.org/2015/04/27/shawn-mikula-on-brain-preservation-protocols/