Counselling as a Procedural Safeguard for Brain-Machine Interfaces
Abstract
The rapid development of Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) presents unprecedented opportunities to enhance cognitive and physical capabilities. However, their transformative potential raises significant ethical challenges regarding autonomy, identity, and agency. In this article, I argue for the implementation of a model of enhanced informed consent, requiring individuals to participate in counselling before gaining access to BMIs. Such a requirement respects individual freedom while addressing the risks BMIs pose to fundamental human values. Drawing on Robert Nozick’s libertarian framework, I highlight how counselling aligns with the moral basis of rights by ensuring individuals have the capacity to structure their lives in meaningful ways while respecting individual rights and autonomy. In fact, I argue that introducing counselling as a conditional procedural safeguard to have access to BMI technology is the better strategy vis-à-vis resorting to substantive prohibitions or paternalistic policies. Enhanced informed consent enables individuals to make deeply informed decisions while preserving their ability to lead meaningful lives.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jorge D.M. Mateus
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