Theoretical Framing of Neuroethics: The Need for a Conceptual Approach

Neuroethics and Philosophy in Responsible Research and Innovation: The Case of the Human Brain Project

“…We would like to advance, however, that within brain research the role of philosophical analysis is not exhausted by its contribution to addressing normative issues. Although they are significant, normative issues do not fully capture what is at stake in the scientific enterprise [12,13,15]. There are other, non normative concerns that need to be addressed, notably, the role of neuroscientific research in addressing fundamental philosophical questions.…”

“…Some call this type of philosophical approach to neuroscientific research Bfundamental neuroethics [ 12,13,15]. Beyond the name, the important point is that this neuroethical approach uses conceptual analysis of some foundational notions (concepts and methods) of neuroscience to provide the necessary background in examining the potential impact of neuroscience on topics such as the mind/brain relationship, criteria for consciousness, the question of what sets beings human beings apart, personal responsibility, and freedom among others (cf.…”

“…We show how the type of conceptual analysis provided by philosophically oriented approaches such as, for example, fundamental neuroethics, theoretically and ethically broadens research and innovation within the HBP [12][13][14][15]. We further suggest that overt inclusion of philosophical reflection can promote the aims and objectives of RRI.…”

¿Qué modelo interdisciplinar requiere la neuroética?

“…En el ámbito de la investigación sobre el cerebro surgirán cuestiones respecto de la posibilidad de violar la privacidad de los contenidos mentales de los sujetos de investigación, o las posibles aplicaciones de ciertos descubrimientos en áreas como por ejemplo la potenciación cognitiva o la potenciación moral de los individuos. Ciertamente, esta rama de la neuroética implica novedades a nivel disciplinar respecto de otras bioéticas, dada la especificidad del cerebro, pero no es radicalmente distinta de lo que hace la bioética en otros ámbitos, e incluso hay quienes han cuestionado si es necesaria esta delimitación de subdisciplinas dentro de la bioética (Parens & Johnston, 2007;Evers et al, 2017).…”

The Need for a Conceptual Expansion of Neuroethics

“…However, in our understanding, neuroethics is methodologically far richer and its scope much larger. It is possible and desirable to make a distinction between three main methodological approaches within the field (Evers et al 2017, Farisco et al 2018. A "neurobioethical" approach is primarily normative and prescriptive: It applies ethical theory and reasoning to practical issues arising from neuroscientific research and its applications (clinical, commercial, etc.)…”