As presently implemented, the neuron doctrine (ND) portrays the
brain's neurons and chemical synapses as fundamental components in
a computer-like switching circuit, supporting a view of brain =
mind = computer. However, close examination reveals individual
neurons to be far more complex than simple switches, with enormous
capacity for intracellular information processing (e.g., in the internal
cytoskeleton). Other poorly appreciated factors (gap junctions, apparent
randomness, dendritic-dendritic processing, possible quantum
computation, the living state) also suggest that the ND grossly
oversimplifies neuronal functions. In the quest to understand
consciousness, the presently implemented ND may throw out the baby
with the bath water.