Neuroethics Flashcards
Human Genome.
Belief that once transcribed we would know answers to everything (physical development and aspects of the mind). However, complicated (interactions, environment, not highly predictive for complex behaviour).
Personality and the Individual Mind.
Brain activation linked to personality. Idea that this information can be utilised and used for everyone in society.
Phelps et al. (2000); Implicit Association Test.
Significant correlation between amygdala activation when viewing black/white individuals. While individuals may produce a socially accepted response on the spot, the brain can identify prejudices.
Lewis et al. (2012); Grey Matter Volume.
Identified parts of the brain where grey matter volume correlated with extent individuals held particular moral views.
Farah et al. (2009) Brainotyping.
Tested the predictive ability of brain measures, variability across experiments but more powerful than predictive value of phenotyping.
Haynes et al. (2007) MRI.
Indication of the ability to ‘read’ the intentions of the participant. Extract data from the decision phase prior to experimenter awareness and train computer > predicted 70% subsequent trials.
Nishmoto et al. (2011) Reconstruction.
Mapped responses of early visual cortex during movie watching. Novel movies made from reconstruction of neural activity (not highly detailed by faces, outlines and movement predicted).
Neuroethics.
Concerned with ethical, legal and social implications of neuroscience research findings and with the nature of research itself.
Ritalin Use.
Prescribed as ADHD treatment; produces reliable changes in ‘normals’ vigilance, response time, higher cognitive function.
Provigil/Modafinil Use.
Prescribed as narcolepsy treatment; can prolong alert wakefulness for days.
Prozac (Fluoxetine) Use.
SSRI used to trat depression, anxiety etc.
Oxytocin Use.
Released during sex, in childbirth and lactating mothers found to promote cooperate and trust in economic games.
