portfolio item 5

Portfolio Item 5:

Albert Einstein once sighed: “If I had known the effects of the atomic bomb, I would have become a match-maker.”

Technology itself is a double-edged sword, and brain mapping is not an exception. It has its own potential positive and negative effects on the society. Since the question only asks for its potential unethical abuse, I should just mention about this aspect here. Yes! What are the potential unethical abuses of the brain mapping? After reading the two articles again and again, I think the followings are the potential unethical abuse of the brain mapping:

1) Do the brain mapping test without the consent from the tester. This is extremely unethical. This is because if some testers are being forced to do the test, they might be nervous. Probably the result will not be as accurate as those testers who are willing to do the brain mapping test themselves.

2) Do the brain mapping test on children. In my opinions, it is definitely not approvable to do so. This is because after the test, some children will be attached to some categories grouped based on the result of the test. This might probably cause children from being treating unfairly as their parents and teachers may really think that this is the real and fix potential that these children can reach and not going to develop their talents or interests anymore. If this happens, it is pretty unfair for children as everything can be changed with learning and environment. (Caplan, 2003)

Since there are some potential unethical abuses of brain mapping, we should minimize these from happening and the followings are my suggestions:

1) Standards and rules are really essential for this brain mapping test. For example, children are not allowed to do this test until they reach eighteen. Also, the officers should request consent from the tester.

2) Regular checking, once per year, is recommended as the result can be changed after a certain period of time.

Marano, L. (2003, June 3). Ethic and mapping the brain.
Retrieved October 30, 2008, from
http://www.cognitiveliberty.org/neuro/brain_mapping_ethic.htm