Seite - 3 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Introduction • 3 ‘hardwired’ and ‘programmed’ to make certain decisions? In this regard, American neuroscientist James Giordano explains that these questions will quickly become more challenging and compelling when more integrated neuronal interfaces become possible, adding: ‘But the time from first steps to leaps and bounds is becoming ever shorter, and the possibilities raised by the pace and breadth of this stride are exciting, and, I’d pose, equally laden with a host of concerns. It will be interesting to be part of this evolution.’2 Because of this, and although the consequences of neuronal interface technologies on society remain uncertain, a number of questions can already be presented on ethical, legal, political, economic, philosophical, moral and religious grounds. For instance, it will be possible to ask the following questions: – Do neuronal interface systems belong to reality or fiction? – Will a permanent link to vast amounts of information be beneficial or detrimental? – Where does rehabilitation stop and performance enhancement begin? – What are the risks relating to neuronal interfaces? – When do invasive implants become justifiable? – Can all the legal consequences from the use of such interfaces be antici- pated and addressed? – Can interfaces significantly change the very identity and personality of an individual? – Could they be used to take away suffering? – Will neuronal interfaces eventually lead to a redefinition of humanity?3 This book necessarily operates in a difficult territory since ethical consider- ations are intrinsically associated with what it means to be human and how society understands this concept of humanity  – a task that has eluded most thinkers over the millennia. Moreover, it is necessary to seek to better understand the concept of human identity in the context of the human person. This is because adding new capabilities to a person’s mind by installing technology may well change his or her sense of self. A person’s perception of the benefit of a technology may, in addition, be affected by whether he or she remains in control or whether control is given over to something or someone else. In this regard, having a powerful system interfacing directly into a human brain may be too limited to be of concern, but may also enable possible external powers to have direct and abusive access to the inner being of a person. It is indeed recognised that any form of new technology can affect the current dynamics of power. As the British technology commentator Guy 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.