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The Dissenter

#1005 Joshua May - Neuroethics: Agency in the Age of Brain Science

Oct 11, 2024
Joshua May, a Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, dives into neuroethics and its implications on free will. He discusses how brain manipulation and medical interventions challenge our concepts of agency and identity. The conversation explores mental health stigma and the ethics of pharmaceutical approvals, highlighting the complexities of defining mental disorders. May also tackles neuromarketing’s impact on consumer behavior and the ethical debates surrounding moral enhancement, emphasizing a nuanced approach to neuroscience.
01:42:45

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Quick takeaways

  • Neuroethics critically examines how brain science influences ethical questions about free will and moral responsibility in decision-making processes.
  • The ethical implications of brain manipulation technologies raise concerns about identity, autonomy, and the necessity for informed patient consent.

Deep dives

Understanding Neuroethics

Neuroethics has emerged as a distinct field over the past 20 to 25 years, focusing on ethical issues surrounding neuroscience. It examines how neuroscience influences classic ethical questions while also addressing the ethical conduct of neuroscience research itself. This interplay involves exploring when it is ethical to manipulate the brain, such as with technologies like Neuralink, which promises medical and consumer brain-computer interfaces. Additionally, neuroethics delves into how neuroscience can inform our understanding of moral judgments, addiction, and mental illnesses, fostering a back-and-forth dialogue between ethical implications and scientific findings.

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