Page - 156 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

156 • Cyborg Mind brain complexity is further developed, it is proposed that entirely new phe- nomena may emerge. It is thus implied that the human brain has evolved to such an extent of complexity that it has emergent personality. However, this focus on self-awareness and thoughts, as the very basis for defining human beings, may signify that a machine operating with similar thoughts could be considered as having the same worth and value as a human being. From this perspective, the only requirement to create an artificial person is a computer with an appropriate processor capability, plenty of memory and a well-written program. The human body could then become redundant. In fact, the machine could also become redundant in terms of defining who this techno- person is, because it may eventually be possible to transfer the data and code to another machine and carry on as if nothing had occurred. Such a concept is interesting because, in a way, it introduces a new form of dualism whereby the person can be considered as data and code running in a physical machine. Yet, most people recognise that the idea that human beings are just thoughts and memories, with the body being seen as unimportant, is less than satisfactory. Human Dignity Though the notion of human dignity is complex, it generally describes ele- ments of worth, value and respect recognised in, and by, others. For example, Article 1 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which was solemnly proclaimed in 2000, not only states that ‘Human dignity is inviolable’, but also that ‘it must be respected and protected’.232 This implies that inherent human dignity is an international cross-cultural concept that binds all humanity together, while giving human beings a fun- damental and universal value. However, it is important to clarify the mean- ing behind the word ‘dignity’ in such a document. Indeed, it can be used to emphasise respect for a person’s autonomy and rights, but also to inhibit the choices of some in order to protect the dignity of others. Authorities are therefore required to provide an environment where the dignity of all its citizens can be recognised and respected.233 As such, inherent human dignity is usually considered as the basis for the rule of law in a civilised society. It is for this reason that it needs to be upheld and defended. Indeed, it was because of the concept of dignity that a decision was taken by a German court in 2004 to stop the commercialisation of laser guns used for ‘killing’ games by a company called Omega. This decision was considered lawful because games that simulated the killing of human persons for commercial purposes infringed human dignity  – a fundamental value to the national German constitution.234 With respect to neuronal interfaces, a number of questions may be asked as to their possible effect on human dignity. It is even possible to ask how 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.