Studies identify key ethical concerns raised by invasive and non-invasive neurotechnologies

Studies outline key ethical questions surrounding brain-computer interface tech (NCSU release): Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies are no longer hypothetical, yet there are fundamental aspects of the technology that remain unaddressed by both ethicists and policy-makers. Two new papers address these issues by outlining the outstanding ethical issues, offering guidance for addressing those issues, and offering particular insight into the field of BCI tech for cognitive enhancement. “BCI devices can be non-invasive devices that users wear, or they can be invasive devices, which are surgically implanted,” says Veljko Dubljevi, an assistant professor in NC State’s Science, Technology & Society program and co-author of both papers. “The invasive devices are more efficient, since they can read signals directly from the brain. However, they also raise more ethical concerns. “For example, invasive BCI technologies carry more associated risks such as surgery, infection, and glial scarring — and invasive BCI devices would be more difficult to replace as technology improves.” The Studies: Ethical Aspects of BCI Technology: What Is the State of the Art? (Philosophies). From the abstract: Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technology is a promising research area in many domains. Brain activity can be interpreted through both invasive and non-invasive monitoring devices, allowing for novel, therapeutic solutions for individuals with disabilities and for other non-...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Peak Performance Technology & Innovation BCI brain-computer interface cognitive cognitive-enhancement ethics Neuroethics Neurotechnology non-invasive neurotechnologies non-invasive neurotechnology Source Type: blogs