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Updated: May 25, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
The rise of neuroskepticism
Christen Rachul1, Amy Zarzeczny
1Health Law and Science Policy Group, Law Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H5. crachul@law.ualberta.ca
Abstract:
The increasing popularity of functional neuroimaging technologies in multiple disciplines has gained attention from within and outside the field of neuroscience. As the scope of research employing functional neuroimaging technologies broadens, there appears to also be a growing concern about the use of these technologies and the related social, ethical and legal issues. These concerns have been coined 'neuroskepticism'. First, we review how the term neuroskepticism has been previously used and defined. Second, we examine review and commentary articles published in journals with top impact factors, probing the presence and evolution of neuroskepticism within these articles. Results demonstrate a wide, but expected, range of issues associated with functional neuroimaging. It also appears that neuroskepticism is increasing as functional neuroimaging technologies gain popularity, which may indicate the presence of a classic Gartner Hype Cycle.
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