ethics of neuroscience Flashcards
NEUROENHANCEMENT is ETHICAL
help increase brain activity and function
KADOSH ET AL- transcranial direct current could be used to improve academic performance, leads to improvements in problem solving, language and attentional capabilities
FUCHS ARTICLE- psychostimulants used to treat ADHD can be used to increase attention and focus, e.g. methylphenidate used as a study aid by students
lead to better grades
NEUROENHANCEMENT is UNETHICAL
potential risks and side effects, lack of accessibility
FUCHS ARTICLE= non medical use of psychotropic drugs for mood brightening have increased but commonly reported that it has led to negative emotions
implications- competition of enhancing, changes human experience, pathologizes natural forgetfulness and attention span
NEUROTECHNOLOGY is ETHICAL
can be used to help cope/reduce severity of symptoms for certain disorders
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION- used for Parkinson’s by changing some of the electric signals in the brain that cause symptoms through high frequency stimulation to the targeted area, control movement symptoms, improve severity of tremors and allow for a reduction in medication
allows for greater quality of life with reduced symptoms, not permanent like other forms of psychosurgery
NEUROTECHNOLOGY is UNETHICAL
potential unknown risks surrounding new forms of neurotechnology
GUARDIAN ARTICLE- neuralink questions about ability to oversee development of invasive medical device, concerns about safety of decive
ethical implications- potential harm, misuse- mind control
use of neuroscience in CRIME is ETHICAL
neuroimaging studies can be used to help identify whether someone is innocent or guilty in court cases
NEUROIMAGING STUDIES- identified that the clorsolateral prefrontal cortex is implicated in the suppression of memory.
EEG STUDIES- P300 brain wave can be used to demonstrate whether a defendant has knowledge of a crime.
social implications- big impact on accuracy of convictions, fewer innocent people convicted-saves money
creates safer society
use of neuroscience in CRIME is UNETHICAL
crime can be seen as a response to social context
FARAH- potential use of mandatory neurological interventions (such as paroxetine which has been shown to decrease impulsive responses and aggression) signals the denial of the individuals free will
implicit coercion if prisoner is left with very little choice about medication
conclusion
in conclusion, there are very strong arguments as to why neuroscience can be seen as ethical and unethical. as knowledge of neuroscience has grown it has offered us a greater understanding of how our brains work and has provided a stigma free explanation of behaviour. however, if the knowledge published gets into the wrong hands it could be used in a negative context. therefore, neuroscience can be ethical when used in a way which benefits society. however, neuroscientific knowledge should be regulated to ensure that it is being used in an ethical and appropriate way.
