Oxford Forum for Medical Humanities Symposium 'Neuroethics'. (360G-Wellcome-083046_Z_07_Z)

Neuroethics The symposium will have three sessions, arranged around the ethical implications of the rapidly advancing field of neuroscience, addressing key areas of brain imaging, pharmacological cognitive enhancement and artificial intelligence. We shall also discuss the extent to which new definitions of biological abnormalities within neuroscience may exempt individuals from prosecution or potentially identify them as genetic markers of violence. The first session will consider recent advances in 'SMART drugs' the ethical implications of cognitive enhancement and the social and philosophical issues of recent advances in artificial intelligence. Secondly we shall discuss the ethics of brain reading and the controversy of the spiritual influence of the soul over conscious action. We shall conclude by addressing the responsibilities of individuals in society, the influence of genetic abnormalities versus personal choice and the legal determination of criminal responsibility. Often conferences are focused within one field, although there are clearly many conferences that draw together researchers from law and bioethics. This gathering, held by the Oxford Forum for Medial Humanities will broaden the dialogue beyond this approach, and actively bring into the conversation these other fields - medical anthropology, history of medicine and theology. Similarly, while there are many conferences that cover issues raised by the ethical implications of drug enhancement of intelligence or the influence of genetics over spiritual control, legal implications of psychiatric disease but these usually targeted at ethicists, clinicians and lawyers. This gathering is needed, as it will invite speakers from these other disciplines, to engage in discussion on these issues about life and life choices.