Assess the ethics of neuroscience, including consideration of ethical, economic, social implications and cultural diversity (DEBATE)

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Intro: 

Neuroscience is the field of study which explores the structure, development, function, chemistry, pharmacology and pathology of the brain and nervous system. it allows us to dive deeper into the human mind by scientifically observing the various biological and chemical processes of the brain and nervous system function. Neuroscience enables us to further advance our psychological knowledge on things like understanding consciousness and treating criminal behaviour.

Ethicssocial, economic, cultural diversity,

  • Phineas Gage (1848); suffered brain damage to the left side of the frontal lobe after being struck through the cheek with a tamping iron. Discovered that after the accident his personality dramatically hanged; he became increasingly aggressive and violent, and a drunk unable to hold down a job. it was said that this was due to the brain damage suffered to the left side of frontal lobe, as a result can be argued that neuroscience is ethical because it helped advance psychological knowledge as it show that certain parts of the brain are responsible for certain behaviours.
  • Raine et al; this US study set out to measure if people pleading not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) would show brain dysfunctions in areas of the brain associated with violence. Conducted by measuring brain activity of murderers and non-murderers whilst conducting a continuous performance task after being injected with flourodeoxy glucose. Could be considered unethical because although it was a non-invasive (non-surgical) method of collecting results the P's were still injected with a radioactive tracer and required them to be unmedicated for 14 days prior to the FMRI scan which increased the risk of P's harming themselves and others around

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