Page - 6 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

6 • Cyborg Mind to deliver, or at least not in the near future. This is emphasised by the French computer scientist Maureen Clerc and others, who explain that ‘despite the enthusiasm and interest for these technologies, it would be wise to ponder if . . . [neuronal interfaces] are really promising and helpful, or if they are simply a passing fad, reinforced by their “science fiction” side’.9 This warning is very apposite since current neuronal interface devices are still unable to compete in terms of speed, stability and reliability with the stan- dard interaction devices that already exist, such as a mouse or keyboard. But it is impossible to predict how things will develop and it would be irresponsible to just sit back and watch technology develop, believing that it is as inevitable as the tide and a natural force that cannot be restrained. This means that soci- ety should be prepared to anticipate new technologies with their associated advantages and risks. Ethical reflection should therefore be welcomed in its assessment of all the new possibilities direct neuronal interfaces can offer.10 In short, the challenge of cyberneuroethics is to develop some form of consistency of approach while preparing policies to regulate developments in an appropriate manner with the support of public opinion. As such, it is only the beginning of what is certain to be a very long and vast process lasting decades if not centuries. Notes 1. Savulescu, ‘The Human Prejudice and the Moral Status of Enhanced Beings’, 214. 2. J. Giordano, interviewed by N. Cameron. Retrieved 23 February 2017 from http:// www.c-pet.org/2017/02/interview-with-dr-james-giordano.html. 3. Bocquelet et al, ‘Ethical Reflections on Brain-Computer Interfaces’. 4. Brandon, ‘The Medium is the Message’, 3. 5. Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Novel Neurotechnologies, 7. 6. Stableford, Future Man, 171. 7. The term ‘cyberneuroethics’ is a neologism that was briefly used, for the first time, by the American legal academic Adam Kolber on the Neuroethics & Law Blog. Retrieved 9 October 2018 from http://kolber.typepad.com/ethics_law_blog/2005/12/cyberneuro ethic.html. 8. Warwick. 2014. ‘A Tour of Some Brain/Neuronal-Computer Interfaces’, 131. 9. Clerc, Bougrain and Lotte, ‘Conclusion and Perspectives’, 312. 10. Ibid.; Schneider, Fins and Wolpaw, ‘Ethical Issues in BCI Research’. Bibliography Bocquelet, F. et al. 2016. ‘Ethical Reflections on Brain-Computer Interfaces’, in M. Clerc, L. Bougrain and F. Lotte (eds), Brain Computer Interface 2: Technology and Applications. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. 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.