BERNARDO QUIBIANACSCE 390, SECTION 001

SPRING 2010

Brain-Controlled Cursor Doubles as a Neural

WorkoutACM TechNews, Feb. 17,

2010

Introduction

Brain-Computer Interface Natural brain signals VS. training Imagining movements

Weak Signals Performing movements

Strong SignalsBrain transplants

Medical Imperatives Physiological and mental disabilities

Enhancements The ultimate wireless control

University of Washington Brain activity after about 10 minutes of training, when the subject could hit the target with 94 percent accuracy. The signal is stronger than in the earlier trial, and stronger even than when the subject actually performed the imagined movement.<http://uwnews.org/images/newsreleases/2010/February/20100215_pid55696_aid55693_brain3_w250.jpg>

Ethical Issues

Double edge Artificial enhancement, cheating New potential harming

Inequality Price Accessibility

Spying Broadcast VS. Unicast Access control http://www.bu.edu/

chaos2009/files/2009/04/wireless.jpg

Proposed Solutions

Transplants? Yes! Best: Medical care, New technology Worst: Inequality, New ‘evil’ tool

Transplants? No! Best: Alternate care Worst: No alternate care

Transplants? Yes, for Medical Purposes Best: Medical care Worst: Black market!

http://unitedfamiliesinternational.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/brain-763982-11.jpg

Philosophic Views

Realist Natural

Idealist The greater good

Pragmatist Majority: The General Public

Existentialist Benefits for the self

The ACM/IEEE-SC Code

PublicClient & Employer

ProductManagementJudgmentsProfessionColleagues

Self

Conclusion

Brain-computer InterfaceBrain Transplants

Medical Imperative Human Enhancement

Ethical Issues Double Edge Inequality Spying

Proposed solution: Limit brain transplants to medical imperatives

Questions and Answers

?

Reference

[1] H. Hannah, Brain-controlled Cursor Doubles as a Neural Workout, University of Washington News, 15 Feb. 2010. [Online]. Available: http://technews.acm.org/archives.cfm?fo=2010-02-feb/feb-17-2010.html#450266 [Accessed: 22 April 2010].