Neurotechnology ethics and relational agency

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Technology
• Bioethics

Background:

• Novel neurotechnologies, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), present significant therapeutic potential.
• These advancements also introduce complex ethical considerations regarding human identity, authenticity, and autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of neurotechnologies on core human goods like identity, authenticity, and autonomy.
• To explore the concept of agency as a central phenomenon affected by these neural devices.
• To propose a framework for understanding the co-agency between users and neurotechnological devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent narrative scholarship on neurotechnology and its effects.
• Philosophical analysis of agency, identity, authenticity, and autonomy in the context of neurotechnology.
• Application of insights from disability theory to understand neurotechnology as agential assistance.

Main Results:

• Agency is identified as a critical factor influenced by neurotechnological interventions.
• Neural devices underscore the inherently relational nature of human agency.
• A model of co-agency is proposed, where users and devices collaborate in action.

Conclusions:

• Neurotechnologies necessitate the development of "relational agency-competencies."
• These competencies include skills for self-reflection on device influence, adaptation to new circumstances, and integration of social feedback.
• Developing these skills is crucial for navigating the ethical landscape of advanced neurotechnology.