Ethical implications of brain–computer interfacing

Abstract

Brain–computer interfaces enable direct brain-to-computer communication circumventing peripheral nerves and muscles. These devices offer promising clinical applications for a broad range of patients. This paper presents a brief overview of different BCI applications and ethical issues raised by these devices, and gives an introduction to this section containing four chapters focusing on the ethical aspects of BCIs for communication, for motor prosthetics, in ADHD patients, and in psychopathy, respectively.