Engineering the Brain: Ethical Issues and the Introduction of Neural Devices

Abstract

Neural devices now under development stand to interact with and alter the human brain in ways that may challenge standard notions of identity, normality, authority, responsibility, privacy and justice.

Ethical aspects of brain computer interfaces: a scoping review

“…Some emphasize the fact that we already have used technology to tinker with ourselves – specifying examples such as sports equipment and other medical interventions – and thus humans are already intricately linked to their technologies [ 9 ]. We incorporate tools into our self-understanding and body schemas [ 6 , 8 ], and routinely use technology to change the body in the form of artificial devices replacing broken parts [ 9 ].…”

“…Other authors note that our identity fluctuates naturally, and can be changed by other medical therapies such as medication or even by having a glass of wine or going on vacation [ 36 ]. On the other side of the debate, authors assert that BCI may change our social identity, body schema [ 8 ], or individual psychological aspects [ 10 ]; they argue that the potential for BCI to induce widespread plastic changes in the brain [ 26 ] is something that needs consideration. There is also some public concern that people with brain implants would have a change in character, that they would no longer be “themselves” [ 7 ].…”

“…3 For example, some individuals in the deaf community view cochlear implants as an enhancement instead of a treatment [ 2 ]. In this case, becoming “‘[n]ormal’ may not be what all end-users want” [ 8 ]. Setting the standard for ‘normal’, and thus defining the line between treatment and enhancement, is a serious challenge and one which implicates adjacent ethical concerns, like the individual’s ability to autonomously determine their particular type of body or form of life.…”

“…The potential widespread use of BCI raises interesting questions about moral and legal responsibility, including about whether we have less control over our thoughts than over our bodies [ 45 ], or whether the choice to get a BCI device makes the user responsible for all of the device’s output [ 8 ]. In essence, the argument is over whether the unique characteristics of BCI will require changes to our legal systems and understanding of morality.…”

Neural Technologies: The Ethics of Intimate Access to the Mind

“…2 Yet as the discussion by Eran Klein et al makes clear, science fiction is fast becoming reality as scientists and engineers seek to develop new ways of directly accessing and controlling our brains through brain-computer and even brain-tobrain interfaces. 3 If such research is to receive continuing public approval and support-and not invite opposition-it must anticipate the special ethical challenges it creates. Hence the value of this kind of anticipatory discussion.…”