Seite - 2 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

2 • Cyborg Mind However, the boundary is again beginning to change and become less distinct. With direct interfaces slowly being developed between the human brain and computers, a partial return of the term ‘computer’ to the human person may, at present, be seen as a plausible prospect. Given this, what possible ethical and anthropological dilemmas and chal- lenges would exist for such a machine-person? What would it then mean to be human? Many studies have examined the brain and nervous systems, which are often characterised by the prefix ‘neuro’. Many others have consid- ered computers as well as the information and network technologies charac- terised by the prefix ‘cyber’, and many more have discussed ethics. However, this introductory work is the first to draw on all three together in order to address the ethical and anthropological questions, challenges and implica- tions that have arisen with respect to the new neuronal interface systems in both medical and nonmedical contexts. These describe devices that enable an interface between any neuronal network (including the brain) and an electronic system (including a computer), which may facilitate an interface between the mind (which makes persons aware of themselves, others, their thoughts and their consciousness) and cyberspace. In this context, direct interfaces will be defined as those that enable an interaction between a neuronal network and an electronic system that does not require any traditional form of communication, such as the use of voice, vision or sign language. At the very heart of this revolution in neuronal interface systems lies the computer. This is because computing power has increased exponentially over the last few decades and is certain to continue into the future. As a result, computing technology will invade the lives of nearly all Homo sapiens on the planet. This means that new interfaces may provide fresh possibilities for human beings, enabling them to access new functions, information and experiences. As the Australian bioethicist Julian Savulescu indicates: [N]euroscience, together with computing technology, offers radical opportuni- ties for enhancing cognitive performance. Already, chips have been introduced into human beings for purposes of tracking and computer-assisted control of biological functions. Minds are connected through the internet and there may be no barrier in principle to direct mind-reading and thought-sharing across human minds. Uploading of human minds to artificially intelligent systems represents one of the most radical possibilities for human developments.1 But questions may then be asked about the consequences on the lives of human beings of such a close association between humankind and machine- computers, as well as any resulting interface between the human mind and cyberspace. Would they, for example, enable individuals to really become This open access edition has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license thanks to the support of Knowledge Unlatched. Not for resale.