Biological Debate

• Using TDCS to enhance brain functions,

  Understand biological basis of Criminal Behaviour,

  Understand route of consciousness
• TDCS - anode stimulates area and cathode inhibits activity in that area, improves cognitive activities and disorders
• TDCS = ethical

  Kadosh - TDCS improved maths problem solving = memory

  Meta analysis of 6 studies showed 289 patients had improved depression symptoms after medicine didn't work

  Suggests neuroscience is ethical = treat disorders like depression and improve student performance in exams + workplace
• TDCS = unethical

  Done on a cadaver - only 9%of current reached brains so is it effective? (Lacks population validity as done on dead body)

  
  

  Cheap but some cannot afford = unethical in exams as gives some advantage e.g. steroid in support

  
  

  No research done on undeveloped brains (25 below) could effect brain development
• Biological basis of CB = ethical

  Raine - NGRI = lower activity in prefrontal cortex (impulse control) showing this may influence violent behaviour
• Biological Basis of CB = Ethical

  Coccaro - IED disorder = higher amygdala activity = fear response
• Biological Basis of CB = Ethical

  Chereck - SSRI's (antidepressant) reduced impulsivity in aggressive vs control group thus drugs can be used to treat CB by altering neurological behaviour

  All help understanding possible causes of CB and provide treatment to reduce it and help society be safe
• Biological basis of CB = Unethical

  Raine states importance brain abnormalities don't = you/ everyone will commit crime and brain abnormalities shouldn't be used as an excuse

  Arguably unethical to remove free will by forcing drugs on criminals to = freedom
• Consciousness = ethical

  Crick and Koch - consciousness is in Claustrum (neural activity in here = consciousness)

  Owens - man in vegetative state asked to imagine tennis and motor cortex (movement) was active (helps us know life support should not be removed)

  Helps us make decisions about whether a person showing signs of consciousness
• Consciousness = unethical

  Neuroscience identifies signs of consciousness do we have right/ when do we have moral right to end a life

  Some would argue worth of human life should not be reduced down to activity on brain scan (Low quality of life)
• Ethical + Social

  Lowers cost of prison + rehabilitation (currently £ 9.5 billion)
• Ethical + Social

  Less crime = safer
• Ethical + Social

  Improve work force and academic performance = boost economy
• Ethical + Social

  Not ethical to mess/interfere with ones brain