Abstract
While research to improve memory or counter decay caused by neurodegenerative diseases has a fairly long history, scientific attempts to erase memories are very recent. The use of non-invasive brain stimulation for memory modulation represents a new and promising application for the treatment of certain disorders [such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)]. However, numerous ethical issues are related to memory intervention. In particular, the possibility of using forms of non-invasive brain stimulation requires to distinguish treatment interventions from the enhancement of the healthy. Furthermore, a range of important societal and legal concerns arise when manipulating memories. In this short contribution, we address some of the most significant ethical, social, and legal implications surrounding the application of memory-modulation techniques and offer a series of reflections and considerations, which we hope can be of use to guide -and perhaps regulate- their potential, future implementation in society.
Highlights
In section “Memory Modulation”, we present a short summary of empirical advancements in research on memory modulation
It is important to encourage research in the field, as research will keep trying to develop effective tools to treat severe forms of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and it is not excluded that new forms of memory modulation will be available in the near future
It seems reasonable to suggest that we begin to consider what may be the implications of forms of enhancement achieved with a reduction in memory
Summary
Brain Stimulation: Status, Perspectives, and Ethical Issues. The use of non-invasive brain stimulation for memory modulation represents a new and promising application for the treatment of certain disorders [such as PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)]. The possibility of using forms of non-invasive brain stimulation requires to distinguish treatment interventions from the enhancement of the healthy. A range of important societal and legal concerns arise when manipulating memories. In this short contribution, we address some of the most significant ethical, social, and legal implications surrounding the application of memory-modulation techniques and offer a series of reflections and considerations, which we hope can be of use to guide -and perhaps regulate- their potential, future implementation in society
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