Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 4, 2025

Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface

Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface

Published on: May 8, 2021

Brain-Machine Interfaces as Commodities: Exchanging Mind for Matter.

Christopher M Reilly¹

¹Independent author, Fredericksburg, VA, USA.

The Linacre Quarterly

|October 26, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Imaging

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...

Brain Waves

Brain Waves

Brain waves are electrical signals generated by the neurons in the brain, which are regularly monitored to measure mental activities. Brain waves and their frequency ranges can be measured using an electroencephalogram or EEG. There are four main types of brain waves, each with distinct characteristics:

Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language

Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language

Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is the field of psychology dedicated to examining how people think. It attempts to explain how and why we think the way we do by studying the interactions among human thinking, emotion, creativity, language, and problem-solving, as well as other cognitive processes. Cognitive psychology studies how information is processed and manipulated in remembering, thinking, and knowing.
This field emerged in the mid-20th century, following a period dominated by behaviorism, which...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A Virtuous Appraisal of Heritable Genome Editing.

The Linacre quarterly·2020

Same journal

A Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Exogenous Progesterone for the Continuation of Pregnancy After Exposure to Mifepristone.

The Linacre quarterly·2026

Same journal

Chastity and Commutative Justice: A Case Analysis of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

The Linacre quarterly·2026

Same journal

The Least of My Brethren: What Charity Demands.

The Linacre quarterly·2026

Same journal

Clarifying the Idol: A Reply to "The Worship of Health".

The Linacre quarterly·2026

Same journal

Sabbath as Holy, Kairos, and Counter-Formation: Jewish and Christian Reflections on Surgical Practice.

The Linacre quarterly·2026

Same journal

Cry of the Flesh: A Catholic Perspective on Cutting.

The Linacre quarterly·2026

See all related articles

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) offer benefits but pose risks to user safety, privacy, and well-being. Commercialization of these devices intensifies these concerns, particularly regarding user dignity and corporate exchange.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience and Bioethics
Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) facilitate bidirectional communication between the human brain and computers.
BMIs hold promise for therapeutic and consumer applications.
However, BMIs introduce novel risks concerning user safety, privacy, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the ethical implications of commercializing brain-machine interfaces.
To highlight the specific concerns for Catholic healthcare professionals and bioethicists.

Main Methods:

Ethical analysis of BMI technology and its commercial applications.
Review of potential risks to user safety, privacy, and well-being.

Main Results:

Keywords:

Bioethics Brain–computer interface Brain–machine interface Commodification Enhancement Human dignity Neuroscience Theology and bioethics

More Related Videos

An Experimental Platform to Study the Closed-loop Performance of Brain-machine Interfaces

An Experimental Platform to Study the Closed-loop Performance of Brain-machine Interfaces

Published on: March 10, 2011

A Single-Channel and Non-Invasive Wearable Brain-Computer Interface for Industry and Healthcare

A Single-Channel and Non-Invasive Wearable Brain-Computer Interface for Industry and Healthcare

Published on: July 7, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 4, 2025

Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface

Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface

Published on: May 8, 2021

An Experimental Platform to Study the Closed-loop Performance of Brain-machine Interfaces

An Experimental Platform to Study the Closed-loop Performance of Brain-machine Interfaces

Published on: March 10, 2011

A Single-Channel and Non-Invasive Wearable Brain-Computer Interface for Industry and Healthcare

A Single-Channel and Non-Invasive Wearable Brain-Computer Interface for Industry and Healthcare

Published on: July 7, 2023

The commercial sale of BMIs exacerbates existing risks.
Users may face unequal exchanges with corporations.
Essential human dignity is a key concern.

Conclusions:

Commercializing brain-machine interfaces creates and worsens end-user safety, psychological, and spiritual issues.
Ethical oversight is crucial for the responsible development and deployment of BMI technology.