I Know What You're Thinking: Brain imaging and mental privacy
Sarah D. Richmond, Geraint Rees, and Sarah J. L. Edwards
Abstract
Since the 1980s, MRI scanners have told us much about brain function and played an important role in the clinical diagnosis of a number of conditions — both in the brain and the rest of the body. Their routine use has made the diagnosis of brain tumours and brain damage both quicker and more accurate. However, some neuroscientific advances, in particular those that relate specifically to the mind have provoked excitement and discussion in a number of disciplines. One of the most thought provoking developments in recent neuroscience has been the progress made with ‘mind-reading’. There seems no ... More
Since the 1980s, MRI scanners have told us much about brain function and played an important role in the clinical diagnosis of a number of conditions — both in the brain and the rest of the body. Their routine use has made the diagnosis of brain tumours and brain damage both quicker and more accurate. However, some neuroscientific advances, in particular those that relate specifically to the mind have provoked excitement and discussion in a number of disciplines. One of the most thought provoking developments in recent neuroscience has been the progress made with ‘mind-reading’. There seems nothing more private than one's thoughts, some of which we might choose to share with others, and some not. Yet, until now, little has been published on the particular issue of privacy in relation to ‘brain’ or ‘mind’ reading. This book presents an interdisciplinary account of the neuroscientific evidence on ‘mind reading’, as well as a thorough analysis of both legal and moral accounts of privacy. The book considers such issues as the use of imaging to detect awareness in those considered to be in a vegetative state. It looks at issues of mental imaging and national security, the neurobiology of violence, and issues regarding diminished responsibility in criminals, and thus reduced punishment. It also considers how the use of neuroimaging can and should be regulated.
Keywords:
MRI scanners,
brain tumours,
brain damage,
mind-reading,
neuroscientific evidence,
awareness,
vegetative state,
mental imaging,
national security,
neurobiology of violence
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2012 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780199596492 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: September 2012 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199596492.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
Sarah D. Richmond, editor
Department of Philosophy, University College London, UK
Geraint Rees, editor
Director, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, UK
Sarah J. L. Edwards, editor
Senior Lecturer in Research Ethics and Governance, University College London, UK
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