The brain is the most mysterious region in human body. The complex and enigmatic functions of brain are the main driving force of studies in neuroscience. Various researches are going on to gain a more in depth understanding on the brain; one of them is the brain mapping. The goal and objective of brain mapping is to clarify the relationship between the structure and the function of the human brain (Cohen, 2007). However, the response on the emergence of this technique is not encouraging. The main issue of concern is the potential abuses on the technology.
If brain mapping is widely-used, unethical abuse is of high probability. People might utilize it as a tool to generate money by commercializing it. If I were the lead researcher in brain mapping, the primary potential unethical abuse, in my opinion, would be the abuse of the brain maps. A brain map is a scientific way in understanding an individual; even of things that the individual himself might not be aware of. Therefore, a brain map is of high value. They could be sold underground, without prior permission from the patients, which could eventually lead to various problems, including social problems. As a result, movie scenes in which unethical scientists and criminals work together to bring chaos to the world could be realized.
To minimize the potential unethical abuses of brain mapping, I suggest that the use of the technology is only constrained to certain bodies or sectors, for instance, the neurology department of major hospitals. To further strengthen the ethical credibility of the technique, researchers of brain mapping, political figures and representatives from related organizations could form a council, similar to that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to suggest and formulate policies in the use of brain mapping.
In short, the appropriate use of advanced technology is an issue of utmost importance. To optimize the functions and applicability of brain mapping, it should be used ethically as any abuse could result in adverse effects to the society. Therefore, I urge the scientists and the authorities to hold comprehensive discussions before brain mapping is made easily accessible to anybody.
References
Cohen, M.S. (2007). Brainmapping. Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www.brainmapping.org/
2 comments:
It is quite a terrible thing if our brain maps become commodity! We will no longer have secrets or even are controled by others. yes, this techonology should be only used in the hospitals for limited purpose. Brain is the most important organ of human body, people should be protected by laws from the abuse of the brain mapping technology.
Different people have different thoughts and this is what make individuals unique from one and other. If brain mapping become commodity, no one is unique in their thinking and creative may be hindered. Brain mapping will also invade the privacy of human as we will not longer have secret. However brain mapping can aid mental-related problems patient; it will serve a beneficial role in improving their condition.
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