Page - 25 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Chapter 2 PoPulAr understAnding of neuronAl  interfACes I At this stage, it may be useful to seek to examine how the general public may consider the possibilities arising from neuronal interfaces and how it is developing its views. This is important in framing the cultural setting of any ethical discourse, though it should be noted that public opinion generally only reflects the cultural values of large sections of a society and at a particu- lar point in time. Moreover, the actual content of societal values may reflect a whole spectrum of attitudes towards science, technology and medicine. In this respect, while many people may be ready to accept the benefits of modern technology and there is generally no generic public distrust of sci- ence, concern usually exists relating to the risks and dangers that may accom- pany specific developments. There is a fear that no one may be really ‘in control’ or ‘knows what will happen’ and doubts remain about the amount of trust to be given to governments in actually preventing or controlling potential lasting negative consequences. In addition, a negative emotional reaction amongst the general public may exists towards certain technologies that should not simply be dismissed, in ethical considerations, as irrational or sentimental concerns. Rather, such a response may reflect an underlying but inarticulate social intuition. Moreover, if people feel an emotional reaction towards a procedure, this may be important and relevant to the moral positions, deeply held beliefs and intuitions of a society. The English philosopher Mary Midgely warns against thinking of feelings as though they had no rational object or of considering the concept of reason 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.