Most arguments I've had about this take on a totally different tone when you ask the person if they believe there is more to human consciousness than what is inside the brain. I.e, is there some spiritual element animating our consciousness.
Often, people say yes. Those people almost universally cannot be convinced that a machine is intelligent. But, if they agree the brain is an organ, its not hard to convince them that the functions of that organ can be simulated, like any other.
Often, people say yes. Those people almost universally cannot be convinced that a machine is intelligent. But, if they agree the brain is an organ, its not hard to convince them that the functions of that organ can be simulated, like any other.