Biological Debate Flashcards
What is the biological debate?
The Ethics of Neuroscience
What is neuroscience?
The study of the brain and the body
What are the three chosen themes?
Treatment of criminal behaviour
Enhancement of neurological function
Potential to cure disease
What’s the argument FOR the ethics of neuroscience in relation to treatment of criminal behaviour?
It is ethical in order to prevent and rehabilitate criminal behaviour.
Cherek et al (2002) males experienced a decrease of aggression and impulsiveness after 21 days SSRI’s than those who took placebo’s.
What’s the argument AGAINST the ethics of neuroscience in relation to treatment of criminal behaviour?
Although decreases criminal behaviour, removes the aspect of free will
Koubeissi found that a woman treated for brain abnormalities left her unresponsive and with amnesia
What’s the social implication for the ethics of neuroscience in relation in relation to treatment of criminal behaviour?
A social implication of this is that it would benefit the wider society by removing criminals and preventing crimes allowing safer streets for the public and decreased crime rates.
What’s the argument FOR the ethics of neuroscience in relation to enhancement of brain function?
Neuroscience has been developed into concepts such as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation which has been found to improve skills, memory and exam results to benefit society
What’s the argument AGAINST the ethics of neuroscience in relation to enhancement of brain function?
Risks may outweigh the benefits due to exposure to harm. Kadosh et al found unqualified practitioners are able to complete procedures which can cause a lot of harm.
What is a social implication of the ethics of neuroscience in relation to enhancement of brain function?
If procedures go wrong it is likely further NHS will be needed therefore more of a strain on healthcare demand
What’s the argument FOR the ethics of neuroscience in relation to potential to cure disease?
Has the ability to relieve people from pre-existing mental issues such as dementia, depression etc. as Mayberg found treatments can drastically reduce symptoms of OCD, depression and slow the progression of dementia
What’s the argument AGAINST the ethics of neuroscience in relation to potential to cure disease?
Risk of causing more harm to a pre-existing illness as Ferguson found that treatments can have negative side effects such as increase in suicidal thoughts, increase in aggression and slurred speech
What’s the argument AGAINST the ethics of neuroscience in relation to potential to cure disease?
Risk of causing more harm to a pre-existing illness as Ferguson found that treatments can have negative side effects such as increase in suicidal thoughts, increase in aggression and slurred speech
What is a social implication of the ethics of neuroscience in relation to potential to cure disease?
If conditioned is worsened or patient suffers from further side effects, further treatment from NHS will be necessary
