Living in the Age of Neuro-Digitalization: is
This paper examines the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and new types of treatment with BCI by comparing its usage for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as communication device in the light of (posthuman) cyborg theories while addressing critical disability studies. I...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Mohr Siebeck
2021
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| In: |
Philosophy, theology and the sciences
Year: 2021, Volume: 8, Issue: 1, Pages: 53-80 |
| RelBib Classification: | NCJ Ethics of science |
| Further subjects: | B
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
B Socio-biotechnical entities B Brain-computer interface (BCI) B Cyborgs B Patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) B Neurodigital age |
| Online Access: |
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| Summary: | This paper examines the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and new types of treatment with BCI by comparing its usage for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as communication device in the light of (posthuman) cyborg theories while addressing critical disability studies. I argue that medical technology, when being developed, should be co-developed with (and for) patients to meet their needs and wants in terms of once lost (or altered) agency. BCI and similar neurotechnical procedures are intended, for example, to enable changed and restricted ability to communicate caused by ALS or to (re)use the side of the body affected by a stroke. Currently, such procedures are being tested in medical trials. In this paper, I present the challenges faced by patients with ALS in the communication through BCI. I base my presentation on participant observations of various neuroscientific trials as well as interviews with neuroscientists and patients. Empirical material is used to illustrate the difficulties and opportunities patients with ALS describe regarding the use of BCI. In doing so, I show that the ableist conception and cerebrocentristic treatment of these patients excludes technically challenging solutions and eventually ends in neurosurgery. Against this backdrop, I finally discuss the meaning of living in the age of neuro-digitalization. |
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| ISSN: | 2197-2834 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Philosophy, theology and the sciences
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1628/ptsc-2021-0005 |