1.4. Contemporary Debate - The Ethics of Neuroscience Approach 1: The Biological Approach 1.4. Contemporary Debate - The Ethics of Neuroscience

Starter Imagine that at some point in the future, our understanding of the brain was complete. We understand what every part of the brain does, and exactly how to manipulate people’s behaviour by either direct (brain surgery/drugs etc) or indirect (language/conditioning etc) methods. We have complete mastery over human behaviour and thought. What could be done with this knowledge? Think about how different groups of people would use this information. Could it be used for good or evil?

What is the issue? Neuroscience has led to ethical issues. Improve quality of life and reduce suffering. However if we have the power to manipulate thoughts and behaviour, what is to stop us from doing so in unethical ways?

What is the issue? There are many threads to this debate. Four that we will look at in class (and the four discussed in the book) are: Understanding consciousness Treating criminal behaviour Enabling Neurological function Improving marketing techniques

What is the issue? You might be able to think of other areas where an understanding of neuroscience can cause ethical issues. The exam board is deliberately vague when it comes to what they expect you to know about. So long as you are able to discuss the issue and the ethical implications that arise from it, you can include any topic you like!

Group task In groups you will be given by one of the issues. You have to make a presentation to teach the rest of the class about the ethical implications of your given issue. Understanding consciousness Treating criminal behaviour Enabling Neurological function Improving marketing techniques

Group task You need to include the following An overview of what neuroscience can contribute to this area of investigation A discussion of the ethical benefits that neuroscience can bring A discussion of the ethical drawbacks from the use of neuroscience A possible “best case scenario” for this issue A possible “worst case scenario” for this issue Some sort of conclusion. What is your group’s view on this issue? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?

Group task Should not just be a rehash of what is in the book. Discuss the issues in depth in your group and come up with your own arguments and points. Use the library and the internet for more information and examples to back up the points you make. Really try to think through these issues to their logical conclusion. Made in PowerPoint, emailed to your teacher who can then send it to the rest of the members of the class

Group task Present to the rest of the class While watching, make notes on the blank tables on the handout. After each presentation, write down what your opinion on the ethical issue is. At the end of each presentation, try to think of some questions you could ask the presenters. If a group receives no questions from the class, the teacher will ask some instead!

Overall Conclusion Overall, what is your opinion on the ethics of neuroscience? Do you think the benefits outweigh the costs? Or are the potential dangers of neuroscience just too high? What could be done to limit the ethical issues while enhancing the benefits? Which issue of those looked at above are most pressing?

Overall Conclusion Use the scales to create an “at a glance” guide to this issue. Write short notes on either side of the scales. Neuroscience is ethical Neuroscience is unethical

Exam Questions Questions on pg 21, “Exam Corner” Debate (pg 25)