Decentralising the Self - Ethical Considerations in Utilizing Decentralised Web Technology for Direct Brain Interfaces.

IF 2.7 2区哲学 Q1 ENGINEERING, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Science and Engineering Ethics Pub Date : 2024-07-16 DOI:10.1007/s11948-024-00492-2

David M Lyreskog, Hazem Zohny, Sebastian Porsdam Mann, Ilina Singh, Julian Savulescu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The rapidly advancing field of brain-computer (BCI) and brain-to-brain interfaces (BBI) is stimulating interest across various sectors including medicine, entertainment, research, and military. The developers of large-scale brain-computer networks, sometimes dubbed 'Mindplexes' or 'Cloudminds', aim to enhance cognitive functions by distributing them across expansive networks. A key technical challenge is the efficient transmission and storage of information. One proposed solution is employing blockchain technology over Web 3.0 to create decentralised cognitive entities. This paper explores the potential of a decentralised web for coordinating large brain-computer constellations, and its associated benefits, focusing in particular on the conceptual and ethical challenges this innovation may pose pertaining to (1) Identity, (2) Sovereignty (encompassing Autonomy, Authenticity, and Ownership), (3) Responsibility and Accountability, and (4) Privacy, Safety, and Security. We suggest that while a decentralised web can address some concerns and mitigate certain risks, underlying ethical issues persist. Fundamental questions about entity definition within these networks, the distinctions between individuals and collectives, and responsibility distribution within and between networks, demand further exploration.

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去中心化的自我--利用去中心化网络技术实现直接脑界面的伦理考虑。

快速发展的脑机（BCI）和脑对脑接口（BBI）领域正在激发医学、娱乐、研究和军事等各个领域的兴趣。大规模脑机网络（有时被称为 "Mindplexes "或 "Cloudminds"）的开发者旨在通过在广阔的网络中分配认知功能来增强认知能力。一个关键的技术挑战是信息的高效传输和存储。一种建议的解决方案是在 Web 3.0 上采用区块链技术来创建去中心化的认知实体。本文探讨了去中心化网络在协调大型大脑-计算机星座方面的潜力及其相关益处，尤其关注这一创新可能带来的概念和伦理挑战，涉及：（1）身份；（2）主权（包括自主性、真实性和所有权）；（3）责任和问责；以及（4）隐私、安全和保障。我们认为，虽然去中心化网络可以解决一些问题并降低某些风险，但潜在的伦理问题依然存在。关于这些网络中的实体定义、个人与集体之间的区别以及网络内部和网络之间的责任分配等基本问题需要进一步探讨。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Science and Engineering Ethics 综合性期刊-工程：综合

CiteScore

10.70

自引率

5.40%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： Science and Engineering Ethics is an international multidisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring ethical issues associated with science and engineering, covering professional education, research and practice as well as the effects of technological innovations and research findings on society. While the focus of this journal is on science and engineering, contributions from a broad range of disciplines, including social sciences and humanities, are welcomed. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, ethics of new and emerging technologies, research ethics, computer ethics, energy ethics, animals and human subjects ethics, ethics education in science and engineering, ethics in design, biomedical ethics, values in technology and innovation. We welcome contributions that deal with these issues from an international perspective, particularly from countries that are underrepresented in these discussions.