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Scientific article
Open access
English

Brain recording, mind-reading, and neurotechnology: ethical issues from consumer devices to brain-based speech decoding

Published inScience and Engineering Ethics, vol. 26, no. 4, p. 2295-2311
Publication date2020
Abstract

Brain reading technologies are rapidly being developed in a number of neuroscience fields. These technologies can record, process, and decode neural signals. This has been described as 'mind reading technology' in some instances, especially in popular media. Should the public at large, be concerned about this kind of technology? Can it really read minds? Concerns about mind-reading might include the thought that, in having one's mind open to view, the possibility for free deliberation, and for self-conception, are eroded where one isn't at liberty to privately mull things over. Themes including privacy, cognitive liberty, and self-conception and expression appear to be areas of vital ethical concern. Overall, this article explores whether brain reading technologies are really mind reading technologies. If they are, ethical ways to deal with them must be developed. If they are not, researchers and technology developers need to find ways to describe them more accurately, in order to dispel unwarranted concerns and address appropriately those that are warranted.

Funding
  • European Commission - High-density cortical implants for cognitive neuroscience and rehabilitation of speech using brain-computer interfaces. [732032]
  • Swiss National Science Foundation - 167836
Citation (ISO format)
RAINEY, Stephen et al. Brain recording, mind-reading, and neurotechnology: ethical issues from consumer devices to brain-based speech decoding. In: Science and Engineering Ethics, 2020, vol. 26, n° 4, p. 2295–2311. doi: 10.1007/s11948-020-00218-0
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
ISSN of the journal1353-3452
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Technical informations

Creation10/02/2020 10:40:00 AM
First validation10/02/2020 10:40:00 AM
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