I think we're talking about the difference between processing and coding. Neurones appear to perform many different processes, but do not appear to have code.
It's like the difference between an analogue>digital converter, which performs a process as the signal passes through the circuitry. However that's very different from inserting an analogue signal into a computer, running it through a program that then produces the same result from the output.
We're talking the difference between a cigarette box converter and a computer. This is likely the difference between the action of a neurone and the action of the visual center of the brain.
There's been many experiments that IMO show parts of the brain (like the visual center) use a lot of processes, but there is obviously some computation in there. For instance, they've done experiments where a digital camera converts an image into a pixel map (i think it was like 16 pixels of black or white) that is then transmitted through electrodes onto the tongue. After between 5-15 minutes the subjects (all of whom were blind) became able to see the picture. IMO this clearly shows that there is a computation center that after repeated failure to understand begins experimenting until it finds the correct result, which in this case was turning touch into sight.
Analog->digital converters often do have code. They can be implemented using HDL to program FPGAs, or the HDL can be compiled to silicon. ADCs definitely embody an algorithm. (There are a variety of algorithms you can choose, providing different tradeoffs between low cost of the device and accuracy.)
Note that protozoans are capable of significant data processing so that they can navigate and find food and engage in reproduction. It is now thought that the synapse evolved from these data processing mechanisms.
It seems like you are still using the "a neuron is a neuron, a synapse is a synapse, the significance is all in the interconnects" view of the brain. This is outmoded.
It's like the difference between an analogue>digital converter, which performs a process as the signal passes through the circuitry. However that's very different from inserting an analogue signal into a computer, running it through a program that then produces the same result from the output.
We're talking the difference between a cigarette box converter and a computer. This is likely the difference between the action of a neurone and the action of the visual center of the brain.
There's been many experiments that IMO show parts of the brain (like the visual center) use a lot of processes, but there is obviously some computation in there. For instance, they've done experiments where a digital camera converts an image into a pixel map (i think it was like 16 pixels of black or white) that is then transmitted through electrodes onto the tongue. After between 5-15 minutes the subjects (all of whom were blind) became able to see the picture. IMO this clearly shows that there is a computation center that after repeated failure to understand begins experimenting until it finds the correct result, which in this case was turning touch into sight.