The ethics of molecular memory modification

Abstract

Novel molecular interventions have recently shown the potential to erase, enhance and alter specific long-term memories. Unique features of this form of memory modification call for a close examination of its possible applications. While there have been discussions of the ethics of memory modification in the literature, molecular memory modification (MMM) can provide special insights. Previously raised ethical concerns regarding memory enhancement, such as safety issues, the 'duty to remember', selfhood and personal identity, require re-evaluation in light of MMM. As a technology that exploits the brain's updating processes, MMM helps correct the common misconception that memory is a static entity by demonstrating how memory is plastic and subject to revision even in the absence of external manipulation. Furthermore, while putatively safer than other speculative technologies because of its high specificity, MMM raises notable safety issues, including potential insidious effects on the agent's emotions and personal identity. Nonetheless, MMM possesses characteristics of a more permissible form of modification, not only because it is theoretically safer, but because its unique mechanism of action requires a heightened level of cooperation from the agent. Discussions of memory modification must consider the specific mechanisms of action, which can alter the weight and relevance of various ethical concerns. MMM also highlights the need for conceptual accuracy regarding the term 'enhancement'; this umbrella term will have to be differentiated as new technologies are applied to a widening array of purposes.

Modulation of Human Memory by Deep Brain Stimulation of the Entorhinal-Hippocampal Circuitry

“…How would the modification of single memories interact with the entire memory network? Would it distort a person's sense of reality and identity (Hui and Fisher, 2015;Liao and Sandberg, 2008)? These questions may be of special concern in the vulnerable populations for which DBS is targeted, such as those with dementia, head injury, or PTSD.…”

Persistence and plasticity in the human memory system: An empirical investigation of the overwriting hypothesis

“…If reconsolidation enables overwriting of memory traces in humans, it could have profound theoretical (Nader et al, 2000b), clinical (Schwabe et al, 2014), and ethical (Hui & Fisher, 2014) implications. For example, the ability to erase 'pathological' memory traces that contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and phobias, o ers the potential of lasting relief from these conditions (Schwabe et al, 2014).…”

“…theory, which suggests that under specific conditions 'recovery' from retroactive interference can be avoided (Nader, 2003a;Nader & Hardt, 2009), a claim that has considerable ethical and clinical ramifications (Hui & Fisher, 2014;Schwabe et al, 2014). Moreover, our review of the literature indicates that the extant evidence for the theory is remarkably tenuous (see Chapter 2).…”

“…In this thesis, I have examined the provocative idea that memory traces can be overwritten with new information, especially during transient periods of retrieval-induced plasticity that occur when a trace undergoes reconsolidation (Nader & Hardt, 2009). If reconsolidation enables overwriting of memory traces in humans, the clinical (Schwabe et al, 2014), ethical (Hui & Fisher, 2014), and theoretical (Nader et al, 2000b) implications could be profound. Nevertheless, after evaluating the existing evidentiary landscape (Chapter 2), and subjecting the theory to several strong tests in our own experiments (Chapters 3, 4, and 5), it is necessary to conclude that the extant evidence for reconsolidation-mediated memory updating is remarkably tenuous.…”

The Memory-Modifying Potential of Optogenetics and the Need for Neuroethics

“…In many conceptions of authenticity, deriving from various lineages-essentialist (self-discovery) (e.g., [102]), existentialist (self-creation) (e.g., [103] [1943]), and dual-basis framework (e.g., [104])-being "truthful" to oneself is directly associated with living in alignment with one's values. Thus, a person whose values have been changed as a result of alteration of the valence of her memories would commit either an act of "betrayal" of her true self, according to the essentialists, since, as a result of her evaluative change, she might begin to lead a life inconsistent with her given and fixed essence (for further considerations, see [105]), or an act of self-deception, according to the "Sartrean" existentialists, as the process of self-creation would stem not from the values that she had freely chosen, but from those constituting side effects of the memory-modifying intervention (for additional considerations see, [99,106]). Either way, such an intervention may pose a threat to the patient's authenticity.…”