*_mei ni_*
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Portfolio Task 5: Ethics of Brain Mapping
The mind of mankind has always been portrayed as one’s secret place to think, feel, perceive and reason. Yet, these thoughts that were once perceived as personal, are seemingly getting way beyond control. With the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, mankind is one step closer to a world where mind reading is possible – but not one that is very much desired to be lived in. One’s privacy seems to be intruded by all fronts such as the government and corporations.
The MRI technologies function in a manner in which the brain structures of each tested individual are first being mapped out. Along with the research knowledge, this aids in providing the researchers on the responsiveness of definite brain activities through the “lighting up” of regions. This implies that the advancement of these technologies enables one’s thoughts to be decoded to the extent of, maybe even more visible than one would know. The technologies may seem stunning; however several areas of concern can be identified such as equality, privacy as well as safety.
Misuse of MRI technologies can occur in public government sectors. One example will be the implementation of the technologies in the selection of suitable candidates for particular positions. No doubt this method can help in finding someone with the suitable caliber; still, the results cannot be totally relied on. If one of the candidates coincidentally was not performing his or her best during the test and as a result eliminated, this would not be fair at all.
Corporations may seem more eager in adopting the practice in the area of market research. Through this approach, they are able to ‘see’ the inner thoughts of potential consumers and use the results as a baseline for product marketing and advertising. On the other hand, if all corporations were to use MRI, then market competition would not even exist. Employees would become very reliant on the test results and more importantly, the results obtained from the consumers do not reflect an overall picture of the mass product appeal.
Therefore, though MRI can assist in the better understanding of brain functions, the technologies can be perilous if misused. Human brains are still much more involved in prescribing personal identities, be it memories, emotions or personalities. In-depth consideration has to be taken to decide if MRI is actually suitable to be adopted in all sectors.
The MRI technologies function in a manner in which the brain structures of each tested individual are first being mapped out. Along with the research knowledge, this aids in providing the researchers on the responsiveness of definite brain activities through the “lighting up” of regions. This implies that the advancement of these technologies enables one’s thoughts to be decoded to the extent of, maybe even more visible than one would know. The technologies may seem stunning; however several areas of concern can be identified such as equality, privacy as well as safety.
Misuse of MRI technologies can occur in public government sectors. One example will be the implementation of the technologies in the selection of suitable candidates for particular positions. No doubt this method can help in finding someone with the suitable caliber; still, the results cannot be totally relied on. If one of the candidates coincidentally was not performing his or her best during the test and as a result eliminated, this would not be fair at all.
Corporations may seem more eager in adopting the practice in the area of market research. Through this approach, they are able to ‘see’ the inner thoughts of potential consumers and use the results as a baseline for product marketing and advertising. On the other hand, if all corporations were to use MRI, then market competition would not even exist. Employees would become very reliant on the test results and more importantly, the results obtained from the consumers do not reflect an overall picture of the mass product appeal.
Therefore, though MRI can assist in the better understanding of brain functions, the technologies can be perilous if misused. Human brains are still much more involved in prescribing personal identities, be it memories, emotions or personalities. In-depth consideration has to be taken to decide if MRI is actually suitable to be adopted in all sectors.
References
National Science Foundation. (2008, May 30). A computer that can 'read' your mind [Press release 08-091]. Retrieved August 6, 2008, from http://www.nsf.gov/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111641&org=olpa&from=news
posted by *_mei ni_* at 10:48 PM
1 Comments:
Your writing is good. This technology indeed is good if we can use it in proper way. And you have given the key points in your writing.Good job!
Post a Comment
<< Home