神經倫理學

Neuroethics is often defined as encompassing both the ethics of neuroscience and the neuroscience of ethics. This course will examine each of these two facets. We will discuss the ethical dilemmas raised by recent advances in neuroscience, which allow for unprecedented insight into our thoughts, and into the sources of our actions: for instance, do “brain-reading” technologies pose a threat to fundamental rights such as freedom of thought or mental privacy, and what does this imply for how these technologies should be regulated? Does current knowledge in neuroscience undermine traditional philosophical notions like free will and responsibility? We will also consider the extent to which interventions like deep brain stimulation might alter who we fundamentally are, as well as the ethical relevance of conscious experience in (minimally conscious) patients with brain damage. Finally, we will discuss ethical issues raised by cutting-edge developments in brain research, such as research on human brain organoids; by existing psychoactive drugs designed to treat conditions like anxiety; and by the prospect of “neuro-interventions” that can enhance our cognitive capacities and moral dispositions, and re-write unpleasant memories, whether “normal” or traumatic in nature.

English language skills Basic critical thinking skills

Students are asked to read one article or book chapter per week (or several short ones), to regularly attend class, and to participate in discussion. The learning outcomes for this course include: 1. Acquire knowledge of the main issues in contemporary Neuroethics. 2. Have a solid grasp of the relevant philosophical and empirical issues. 3. Students should be able to articulate and defend a view of their own, in relation to some of the topics covered in the course.

Class participation (30%): Attendance (12%), completion of required readings & participation in discussion (18%); Written assignment and oral presentation (35%): Working on their own or in pairs, students will produce a written assignment of 1,500 to 2,000 words long (20%) and make an oral presentation in class (15%) on their chosen topic from the syllabus; Final exam (35%): 2-hour open book exam, to be taken in class.

Various readings which will be uploaded to the E3 platform. Introduction to the topic: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/neuroethics/.