Page - 115 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Cyberneuroethics • 115 9. Processing speed: the ability to perform cognitive tasks quickly. 10. Decision and reaction speed: reflects the speed in which an individual can react to stimuli or a task. In many of these areas, it may be possible for a person to improve his or her intelligence if it became feasible for a neuronal interface to be appropriately used with a computer. However, this then raises the question whether this should be considered and for whom. For example, it may be suggested that a responsibility exists for all individuals to increase aspects of their intelligence. But, on the other hand, it is possible to accept that only an increase in the mental faculties of persons who have a mental disability (though it may also depend on the disability) should be contemplated. This is because individuals should only be able to make progress in certain areas to the level that is con- sidered normal (with the concept of ‘normal’ having to be defined). As a result, it has been suggested that access to neuronal implants for certain cognitive functions should be used, in priority, for: 59 – bringing children or adults into the normal range for the population, if the appropriate consent is obtained; or – improving health prospects that should be based on need rather than on economic resources or social position. With the possible development of neuronal implants for cognitive func- tions, another ethical concern is the risk of a two-class society emerging or an increase in the gap between industrialised countries and the rest of the world. Changing Memory Memories are vital in the life of individuals and enable them to function from a personal and societal perspective. In many ways, these memories seem to be solid objects in the minds of these persons similar to documents that can be called up and investigated, though at the same time they can be considered as ethereal. Memories are also central to personal identity, enabling persons to have a sense of self while remembering past experiences and building on them. It provides them with the continuity of self-awareness across their lives. The English philosopher John Locke (1632–1704) suggested some- thing similar in his book entitled An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690). In this he indicates that a person is ‘a thinking intelligent being, that has reason and reflection, and can consider itself as itself, the same thinking thing, in different times and places; which it does only by that consciousness which is inseparable from thinking’.60 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.