Neuroscience and converging technologies in Italy: From free will approach to humans as not disconnected entities

Abstract

In recent years, a vast literature has developed on how neuroimaging may increase our understanding of deception, moral and legal responsibility, behaviour prediction, and much more. Common approaches overlook the global reality of neuroscience and neurotechniques. This is the reason why (beyond controversial implications of neuroimaging techniques: i.e. lie detection, determination of mental impairment, or psychopathy) it is important to survey some technological applications of neuroscience on the human body (even beyond the field of criminal law), such as objective measurement of chronic pain, robots and artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces. The review focuses on Italian case law on the concept of moral damage and the opportunities that neurotechniques offer in order to have a more objective evaluation. In addition, it is considered the responsibility for robot's actions (especially referring to learning robots) and the possible application of current Italian civil legislation (especially the responsibility of teachers). Conclusive remarks are on the law and the way basic concepts as human individual are affected by neuroscience.