Neuroethics Today

2-minutes Neuroethics: What is the Neuroscience of Ethics?

During Episode 2 of Season 2, we decided to discuss one of the most relevant topic in neuroscience and neuroethics: Science Communication. Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with Dr. Andrew Neff - creator of Neuroscience from Underground - discuss the importance of science communication, its challenges and pitfalls. We covered questions such as: What are the faux-pas of researchers, journalists, and the consumer (or the general public) in science communication of neuroscience research? What are the implications of uninformed consumers? What can scientists do to better communicate their science in a transparent, honest, and correct way? This episode is just the ride dose of neuroethics for you this month.

Useful Links:

Neuroethics Today website

We are launching our podcast mini-series #TIPsyThursday* to discuss the 'Morality Pill'.  Host Katherine, together with co-hosts Mariel and Susan have an open discussion about what is a 'Morality Pill', what "issues" can be associated with this pill, who should consider taking it, should it be given as 'treatment', and much more questions raised.

Key takeaways:

1. Morality is not located in ONE brain region and hence is not an ON or OFF switch.

2. Morality has deep roots in culture and hence will not be viewed similarly across countries.

3. Consuming a Morality Pill will highly depend on the case study at hand.

4. Morality Pill may be science-fiction but there are several similar 'cognitive enhancers' on the market, so we should be having this conversation ?NOW!

*#TIPsyThursday is an informal mini-series by Neuroethics Today where host Katherine Bassil and co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz have an open conversation about all things neuroethics including technologies that exist, do not exist, and may one day exist. You do not need to be a neuro-somebody to tune in, just grab your favourite drink, your headphones, relax and enjoy this provoking and stimulating conversation.

Useful Links:

With the launch of Season 2, we are taking you back to the roots (or shall we say, to the bottom of the ocean). Katherine Bassil - founder and host - together with episode 1 co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz discuss what is Neuroethics and why YOU should care! Have you ever wondered about the relationship between Neuroethics and the ocean? Were you ever skeptical about your involvement in Neuroethics? Have you ever wondered how you can contribute? This episode is just the ride dose of neuroethics for you. Not too much information, just the right dose for your curious mind, and the perfect content to stimulate your critical attitude!

Useful links:

During episode 13, Katherine Bassil shares 12 neuroethics lessons from 12 neuroethics discussions that took place on season 1 of the Neuroethics Police podcast.  Katherine also answers questions from the audience and finishes off by announcing the winner of the Instagram #neuroethicsmeme Giveaway! Find out more details on episode 13 - the final episode of season 1 - of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

N.B. This episode also includes a special announcement about the 2020 annual meeting of the Italian Neuroethics Society.

Useful links:

Laurens Landeweerd joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the ethical implications of human and cognitive enhancement, a topic that has been buzzing on all media platforms for the last couple of years. In the first part of this episode, Laurens answers questions on lifespan extension and living "forever" from a philosophical point of view. In the second part, he shares with us his insights on cognitive enhancement. Finally, Laurens sheds light on current debates in the field of genetic editing, particularly with developments in the revolutionary technology "CRISPR". Why do humans want to live forever? Should humans want to live forever? Will cognitive enhancers create societal inequalities? Are we playing God? Is Laurens optimistic or pessimistic about the future? We finish off by overing exciting and up-to-date neuroethics news. Find out more details on episode 12 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

Who is Laurens Landeweerd? Laurens is a philosopher. He holds a position as assistant professor at Radboud University Nijmegen’s Institute for Science in Society. He is also coach at HogeSchool Zuyd’s Interdisciplinary Arts programme (iArts). Landeweerd is interested in the relation between nature and technology. His research focuses on the philosophy of living systems. He has contributed to a series of national and international projects on the ethics and philosophy of the neurosciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology. Next to works on the philosophy of technology, his research focuses on the nature of the human being in relation to human enhancement: lifespan extension, enhancement of cognition and sensory experience.

N.B. Keep an eye on the website for more information on the 2020 annual meeting of the Italian Neuroethics Society.

TRANSCRIPTS NOW AVAILABLE, ACCESS HERE.

In this episode:

Useful links:

Andrea Lavazza joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the ethical implications of cerebral or brain organoids, a technology that has been developing with high speed ever since its conception. In the first part of this episode, Andrea elaborates on the thought experiment of the philosopher Hilary Putnam on "brains in a vat" and explains why brain organoids carry ethical implications, stressing on what is hope and what is hype. In the second part, we discuss in detail the implications of a recent study where brain function was restored after death. Finally, Andrea sheds light on the importance of focusing on current issues including privacy and commercialization. Are human brain organoids conscious? Will brain organoids aid in the redefinition of life and death? What does the public think of using brain organoids for research? What is the role of scientists, ethicists, journalists and the public in guiding developments in this field? Find out more details on episode 10 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

In this episode:

Marcello Ienca joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on the implementation of new “neuro” human rights with newly emerging neurotechnologies. In the first part of this episode, Marcello explains why our societies are in need of new human rights in a day where we are witnessing a neurotechnology revolution. In the second part, we discuss in detail the implications of emerging neurotechnologies and why it is important to protect the consumer against misuse. Finally we shed light on Marcello’s opinion on a group that has already taken action based on his suggestions for new human rights, by formulating a petition to congress. Are emerging neurotechnologies threatening our human rights? Are we moving towards a neurotech-anxious society? Will neurotechnologies create inequalities within society? Why are the new human rights needed to protect us from emerging neurotechnologies? Find out more details on episode 9 of the Neuroethics Police podcast! 

In this episode: 

Saskia Valk joins host Katherine Bassil in discussion on science communication through ART. In the first part of this episode, Saskia takes us into her world of interdisciplinary art, where she works along with philosophers, scientists and other stakeholders in training upcoming artists to bridge the fields of science, technology and other societal issues. In the second part, we discuss the involvement and importance of artists in communicating science and its practices with a wider non-expert yet implicated audience. Can Art translate science to the wider public? Can Art bridge the worlds of scientists with the general public? Does Art carry a responsibility to communicate science? Find out more details on episode 8 of the Neuroethics Police podcast!

In this episode: