Philosophical and Ethical Issues at the Forefront of Neuroscience and Genetics: An Overview for Psychiatrists

The rapid pace of research advances in neuroscience and genetics has given rise to a new field of study, neuroethics, which seeks to explore the moral questions that arise from the use of new brain-based therapies and from our growing understanding of the biology of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. The authors present an overview of selected topics in neuroethics that may be of special interest to psychiatrists, including a discussion of how genetics and functional neuroimaging have added nuance and complexity to mind/body dualism, the concept of free will, and the proper role of emotion in morality. Other topics include the use of brain-based therapies such as neuromodulation, psychopharmacology, and genetic technologies as enhancements to normal mental functioning.