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Published on: June 12, 2020
In defence of mental integrity
1Philosophy & Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA sean.aas@gmail.com.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|August 12, 2026
Summary
The right to mental integrity, while debated, requires protecting a mental boundary for system integration, distinct from bodily rights. This concept is crucial for understanding mental morality despite existing legal and ethical frameworks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroethics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Legal Philosophy
Background:
- Growing interest in a right to mental integrity within neuroethics.
- Existing debates question the necessity and scope of such a right, citing potential redundancy with established rights and excessive demands.
- Challenges posed by Blumenthal-Barby and Ubel highlight the need for clearer definitions and justifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the conceptual underpinnings of a right to mental integrity.
- To respond to objections regarding its superfluity and excessive demands.
- To establish the moral and legal significance of mental integrity rights.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the right to mental integrity.
- Comparison with other integrity rights (bodily, territorial, data).
- Argumentative response to existing critiques.
Main Results:
- Mental integrity involves protecting a specific boundary to maintain system integration, analogous to other integrity rights.
- This mental boundary is distinct from those defining bodily, self, or life rights.
- Unauthorized crossing of this boundary does not necessarily constitute mental trespass.
Conclusions:
- A right to mental integrity necessitates defining and protecting a unique mental boundary.
- Despite challenges, this right may be essential for addressing the complexities of mental morality.
- Further specification is required to fully establish the nature and scope of mental integrity rights for potential legal recognition.
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