The Importance of Neuroethics

Ethical practices must be implemented in all research projects. Neuroethics is something that comes into discussion when neuroscientists do research on animals or humans. Since neuroscience is a newer field, there are many ethical questions that come up during research. The article "Neuroethics Asks the Difficult Questions," discusses the importance of Neuroethics. According to the article, Neuroethics is divided in two sections. The first section is concerned with the ethics of conducting research in neuroscience. Animal research is one of the ways that many neuroscientists learn about how our brains and nervous system function. However, when doing research on animals, neuroscientists must keep in mind that the benefits must outweigh the harms in order for it to be an ethical study.

Human research can also have a lot of ethical issues. There is especially the issue of giving consent to participate in a research study. The brain is what gives consent, but it is also the organ that is being treated. This can be a problem because if someone has a tumor or another neurological problem/disease, they may not have the capacity to actually give consent. Neuroethics brings light to these issues that neuroscientists and researchers need to address.

Neuroethics also discusses how neuroscience can change and affect society as a whole. The article gives the example of altering genes. Newer technologies are now able to determine  potential issues in children and alter their genes to avoid those issues. These new technologies are questionable. Are genetic alterations ethical or are scientists taking it too far? There is also the question whether new discoveries in neuroscience will benefit everyone. Will technologies such as genetic altering only be available to those in higher socioeconomic classes? These are all issues that must be considered by neuroscientists and researchers.

Dr. Joe Vukov also touched on the significance of Neuroethics during class. His talk focused on the work of Molly J. Crockett on Neuroethics. Her article, "Neurochemical Modulation of Moral Judgement and Behavior," discusses the idea that our judgements and decisions can be affected by neurochemical influences. This may be the reason why our beliefs are so distinct when compared to other people's. Her study suggests that our moral views are influenced by neuromodulaters. This means that our moral views and judgements are sensitive to the chemical fluctuations in our brain. Researchers need to keep this in mind when they are doing research that involves ethical practices. Our motivations for anything are strongly influenced by our brain chemistry.

Researchers should continue to discuss the importance of neuroethics. It is a very significant part of research. The idea that our moral judgements and behaviors are influenced by our chemical fluctuations in our brains should be considered when making ethical decisions, especially those by researchers in the neuroscience field.

Works Cited

Crockett, M.J. (2016). Morphing Morals. Moral Brains, 237-245. doi: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199357666.003.0011

Richardson, M.W. (2019, March 13). Neuroethics Asks the Difficult Questions. Retrieved from https://www.brainfacts.org/Neuroscience-in-Society/Law-Economics-and-Ethics/2019/Neuroethics-Asks-the-Difficult-Questions-031319