Page - 43 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Chapter 4 neuronAl interfACe systeMs I Part of the challenge faced by anyone seeking to seriously examine the ethi- cal implications of applying neuro-based technology to cyber-based aspects of life is the pace of change of such technology. But it is also important to distinguish between what is fact and what is science fiction, or what on occa- sions is more a matter of future-fiction, given that the ideas are so incredible that they are unlikely to ever become reality. Indeed, it is difficult not to be sceptical concerning the grand vision of greatly enhanced human cognitive abilities and the use of neuronal interface systems that have sometimes been presented. In addition, the suggestion that laptop computers are already more intelligent than insects needs to be qualified, since simply comparing neurons to computer capacity is inappro- priate. As already mentioned, unfortunate comparisons have been portrayed between biological brains and computers. Moreover, the choice of analogies and language may reflect the implicit values and worldviews of the persons making such claims. The way in which the neuronal system works is far more complex and efficient than silicon-based systems. In biological systems, the basic function- ing unit is molecular or cellular. This is in contrast to electrons moving along a wire or in a semi-conductor. If connectivity is also taken into account, the brain is extremely intricate, with each neuron having direct connections with up to thousands of other neurons. Furthermore, the brain operates as a net- work based on interactions from external impulses, which means that if an activity is not maintained, it will slowly disappear.1 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.