NeuroethicsShield

Lifeboat Foundation NeuroethicsShield

By Wrye Sententia, Head of our Neuroethics Division. This is an ongoing program so you may submit suggestions to [email protected].

Overview

Emergent and potential applications in the areas of neuropharmaceuticals, neurodevices, and neurodiagnostics may expand or enhance human freedoms, yet they may also bring unwanted constraints or infringements on people’s lives — as with violations of brain privacy and individual choice.

To protect the attractive potential of strong neurotechnologies, while keeping at bay societal dangers that may arise, it is essential to safeguard the democratic and legal notion of cognitive liberty — each person’s fundamental right to think independently, to use the full spectrum of his or her cognitive faculties, and to have autonomy over his or her decision making in matters concerning the personal use of neurotechnologies.