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Brain-Computer-Interfaces in their ethical, social and cultural contexts pp 49–59Cite as

Brain-Computer Interfaces and Therapy

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Part of the book series: The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology ((ELTE,volume 12))

Abstract

In recent times the idea that brain–computer interface (BCI) technology can be used to control brain mechanisms to sustain recovery and improve functions has been advanced and tested by different groups. This new development in BCI research and application raises ethical issues quite different from those previously addressed. After describing recent BCI-driven applications in neurological rehabilitation we focus on two main ethical issues stemming from present BCI therapeutic applications, namely the potential occurrence of iatrogenic effects because of potentiating maladaptive circuits and difficulties in addressing cognitive/behavioral performances in an uncontrolled loop.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, I-00179, Rome, Italy

    Donatella Mattia & Marco Molinari

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  1. Donatella Mattia
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  2. Marco Molinari
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Correspondence to Marco Molinari .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany

    Gerd Grübler

  2. Department of Philosophy, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    Elisabeth Hildt

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Mattia, D., Molinari, M. (2014). Brain-Computer Interfaces and Therapy. In: Grübler, G., Hildt, E. (eds) Brain-Computer-Interfaces in their ethical, social and cultural contexts. The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology, vol 12. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8996-7_4

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