AI-Powered Neural Implants and the Protection of Patient Autonomy
Maximilian Kiener & Thomas Douglas
Biomedical technologies are not solely impacting our physical bodies anymore; they are increasingly exerting a profound influence on our mental processes as well. This is particularly evident in the rapidly growing field of brain implants. These devices, which bridge the biological and digital realms, hold the potential to treat neurodegenerative conditions, boost cognitive abilities, and incorporate AI-enhanced functions directly into our neural structure. Contemporary neural implants might extend beyond therapeutic uses, paving the way for a future where augmented cognition allows our brains to effortlessly interface with digital data. Nonetheless, there’s escalating concern regarding the implications these advancements might have on an individual’s autonomy, sense of self, and identity.
For Ethics in Practice (6th Edition), ed. by Hugh LaFollette
(Feb 2024)