Identity Crisis and Ethical Controversy in the Domain of Implantable Brain-Computer Interface
The implantable Brain-Computer Interface(BCI)is a highly versatile tool in neuroscience research,yet the extent to which this technique affects the individual identity of patients remains to be explored.Numerous patients undergoing clinical treatment and experimental testing with implantable BCI have exhibited marks of an"identity crisis"relating to difficulties in self-identification or experiencing self-estrangement.This implies that implantable BCI may potentially lead to the identity crisis of"losing oneself",and subsequently trigger a series of ethical controversies.The controversy unfolds in three dimensions:First,does the implantable BCI necessarily induce the patient's struggle with self-identification or feelings of alienation?Second,does the change of identity necessarily lead to an"identity crisis"?Finally,when the"identity crisis"arises,how should conflicts in medical decision-making and issues of responsibility attribution be addressed?All these ethical controversies ultimately converge on a core question:should postoperative changes in the implanted patient's self,personality,authenticity,autonomy,etc.,be understood as alterations in individual identity?In fact,the core contradiction sparking this topic's crisis is the difficulty that existing research faces in proving a causal relationship between the two factors.The determination of implantable BCI as a critical factor influencing patient identity hinges not only on empirical and qualitative research in clinical medicine but also on patients'understanding of self-theory models and associated identity criteria.The extent and nature of influence on individual identity vary depending on diverse self-theory models and identity criteria.Therefore,to establish a normal causal link between implantable BCI and changes in identity,it is essential,first,to enhance robust and systematic research,both qualitative and quantitative,on"identity crisis".On one hand,it is necessary to actively capture and document patients'clinical manifestations and postoperative progress.On the other hand,attention should also be paid to conducting surveys involving different stakeholders associated with implanted BCI surgeries,including patients,family members,clinical practitioners,and even technology developers;second,to re-establish normative standards for identity change.It is particularly imperative to conduct in-depth analysis on the conceptual dimensions and scope of"identity"at a theoretical level,distinguishing the levels and structures of the concept of identity across various disciplinary domains such as psychology,clinical medicine,and philosophy;and third,to provide a detailed neuroethical analysis of psychopathology.Based on the analysis of neural mechanisms(related to etiology and pathogenesis)within psychopathology,the relationship between implantable BCI and identity changes should be systematically discussed.The extent to which implantable BCI actually affect a patient's sense of self-control and self-identity remains uncharted territory.Given the uncertainty regarding its clinical implications,it is necessary to strengthen medical and psychological care for patients after surgery and to minimize or reduce the possible harm caused by implantation interventions by guiding patients to perceive and understand themselves correctly.Simultaneously,precautions must be taken to prevent the misuse of the"identity crisis"as a pretext for violating legal boundaries and evading moral and legal obligations and to formulate necessary preventive measures and ethical regulatory policies as soon as possible.
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
