Seite - 101 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Cyberneuroethics • 101 sapiens. Moreover, these new questions may prove far more meaningful in framing the extremely important implications and consequences being sug- gested by the integration of the mind with cyberspace. General Ethical Considerations Relating to Neuronal Interfaces When new procedures such as neuronal interfaces are being considered for use, one of the first stages in examining their ethical aspects is to gather as much information as possible, while seeking to consider both the advantages and risks for all those involved, such as the individuals concerned and those in society.4 Individual Ethics The first level of ethical examination may be related to the individuals who may be considering the use of neuronal interfaces for either therapeutic of enhancements reasons. In both of these categories, different risks and advan- tages will need to be balanced relating to how the appliance is used. Advantages for Individuals In examining the ways in which individual persons may benefit from neu- ronal interfaces, it is not only the number of benefits that should be con- sidered, but also how these are perceived by the relevant person, which may be a more subjective affair and may vary according to his or her goals and aspirations. Within this context, the first kinds of advantages that may be considered relating to such interfaces are ‘positional benefits’ and how a person may improve his or her position in a competitive society. In such an environment, any interface that may give a person an edge over his or her peers may be seen as beneficial. However, if everyone ends up using the same interface, no personal competitive advantage may remain, though benefits may still exist for society from such an overall improvement. At the same time, more ‘intrinsic benefits’ may exist for individuals using neuronal interfaces that may go beyond what may be considered as purely competitive advantages. These may be life benefits that would be seen as being positive in themselves, such as being able to remember enjoyable past experiences. Similarly, ‘instrumental benefits’ may exist with neuronal interfaces, such as in term of being able to resolve complex prob- lems that arise in a person’s life or being able to remember facts and figures for work.5 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.