Sunday, November 2, 2008

Item 5

Recently, a series of researches have shown that humans' mind can be read using computational modeling technology. This technology uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to detect and locate brain activity when a person thinks about a specific word. The computational model enables a computer to correctly determine what word a research subject is thinking about by analyzing brain scan data. Some scientists have made predictions that this kind of technology may have applications in the study of autism, disorders of thought such as paranoid schizophrenia, and semantic dementias such as Pick's disease.

However, at the same time, many people think mapping the brain is unethical. As we all know, there are always two sides to everything. We should make full use of the advantages of it and avoid using disadvantages. Let's take a look at the possible reasons why people think mapping the brain is unmoral. Firstly, some people may think it would cause unexpected results if such technologies are used illegally. Who can tell whether it is legal or not to take the brain images of Nancy? Of course, it is illegal if she was forced to do that. Nevertheless, if the governments carry out specific principles to rule these actions it will be better. Secondly, it considered as unethical behavior to test on real person applying new uncertain technologies. Science is a process of trial and error. In order to develop new technologies to cure diseases to save more lives human beings must pay something for them. If there are people who volunteer to be tested on scientists could do that. Even though some experiments might be dangerous, those who are tested are honorable. All in all, we should make good use of advantages of these technologies. We believe that what the new technologies bring to us are benefits rather than disasters.

4 comments:

Cheng Han said...

What is ethical and what is unethical? Who can be tested and who cannot be tested? These are the questions that will always be open for discussions. Different people will have different opinions and answers to the questions. But one thing is for sure, there should be accepted standards to establish what can and cannot be done with brain mapping.

HZ Weng said...

Why? Why?? Why???
Why should we use this computer technology? Is it because we want to know how each person is thinking? Why should we not use this technology? Is it because we do not want others to invade our privacy? These questions always give us open answers. I don't have answers to them too.

YIKUAN said...

the purpose of new technology is to benifit human beings. It is very unlucky to see the new technology being abused

Wu Tong~ said...

under the control of government, i think the new technology won't be abused, but it needs time.