Neuralink, a brain-computer interface company under Elon Musk, is one of many companies developing brain chips. Although its chip implantation may be about to begin, experts warn that implantation may bring ethical issues. In addition, it is unethical to conduct experiments on animals.
Figure 1: Musk’s Neuralink is just one of many companies that develop brain chips. Although its chip implantation may be about to begin, experts warn that this will bring ethical issues
Researchers from North Carolina State University in the United States pointed out that brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies designed to enhance cognitive abilities may question the authenticity of people’s achievements, because they may be regarded as “smart drugs”. For example, Neuralink’s Link chip is currently focused on helping people with health problems, but the billionaire envisions this implant “adding a layer of superintelligence to the human brain.”
Another concern raised by the researchers is testing on animals. Most companies will first implant chips into mammals before testing on humans. Musk demonstrated Neuralink’s technology in pigs. Researchers at North Carolina State University recently published two papers discussing the ethical issues caused by this brain chip, focusing on how the brain chip can improve cognitive ability.
The lead author of the two papers, North Carolina State University graduate student Allen Coin (Allen Coin) said: “When patients receive a cochlear implant, it is actually a brain-computer interface that helps improve their Hearing. No one doubts whether the patient’s hearing is really problematic. Similarly, cognitive enhancement brain-computer interface devices are often used as similar treatment tools to help patients overcome difficulties. However, we now hear more about brain-computers Interface devices have the potential to improve cognitive performance beyond therapeutic applications, but there is still debate about their authenticity.”
Figure 2: The so-called authenticity refers to the extent to which someone feels that their abilities and achievements are the result of their own efforts, not the brain implants
Cohen’s colleague Veljko Dubljević (Veljko Dubljević) said: “We believe that this is because these brain-computer interface technologies are usually considered implantable, which means that this device actually People’s thoughts produce permanent or semi-permanent changes, even an extension. These are not drugs that will disappear, they will stay there forever.
Dr. Moran Cerf, a neuroscientist at Northwestern University in the United States, is studying a chip that can enhance human intelligence. He said that the chip may be on the market within five years. Dr. Cerf said: “The chip can be connected to the Internet and then enter Wikipedia. When I think of a certain question, it will give me the answer.” However, Cerf himself also questioned the intelligence gap and economics that this technology may bring. Inequality. He said: “Some people can make money by thinking about the right investment, but we can’t. So they will become richer, they will become healthier, and they will live longer.”
Cohen and Dubrevich also discussed issues related to authenticity and machine-enhanced intelligence. When referring to authenticity, they are referring to a person’s feeling that their abilities and achievements are the result of their own hard work, not the brain implants. Dubrevich said: “Machine-enhanced intelligence refers to brain-computer interface technologies that enhance cognition. These technologies are not yet on the market.” However, they are clearly the goal of BCI developers including Neuralink. “
Musk’s startup is currently focused on using its Link chip to help people with diseases, such as allowing people with quadriplegia to use their brains to control technology. However, the billionaire mentioned other uses of the chip, including adding a layer of super intelligence to the human brain. Musk said in a previous interview: “Neuralink’s goal is to one day give humans digital artificial intelligence superintelligence. If you can’t beat them, then join them!”
Figure 3: Researchers criticize the experimentation of brain-computer interface technology on animals as unethical
Cohen and Dubrevich pointed out that if ethicists are concerned about whether people taking “smart drugs” get higher test scores, why do they have no similar concerns about BCI?
In addition to concerns about authenticity, the team also raised the issue of testing these technologies on animals. They said: “When using animals to test invasive brain-computer interface technology, there are not enough discussions about ethical issues. After all, these are surgical procedures.”
Garrett Freas, an expert at Merseyhurst University, believes that implants may be considered ethical, but use on animals is another matter. He explained that by implanting brain chips to change animal behavior, “it will bring moral dilemma on many different levels.” Fras wrote: “Changing their behavior to make them beneficial to humans (such as letting cows eat more so that they can provide us with more meat) is generally morally undesirable. “
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