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Externalization of Consciousness. Scientific Possibilities and Clinical Implications

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Ethical Issues in Behavioral Neuroscience

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 19))

Abstract

The paper starts by analyzing recent advancements in neurotechnological assessment of residual consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness and in neurotechnology-mediated communication with them. Ethical issues arising from these developments are described, with particular focus on informed consent. Against this background, we argue for the necessity of further scientific efforts and ethical reflection in neurotechnological assessment of consciousness and ‘cerebral communication’ with verbally non-communicative patients.

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Acknowledgments

This work was done within the European Human Brain Project. The text reflects solely the views of its authors. The European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

    Michele Farisco & Kathinka Evers

  2. Coma Science Group, Cyclotron Research Centre, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium

    Steven Laureys

Authors
  1. Michele Farisco
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  2. Steven Laureys
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  3. Kathinka Evers
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michele Farisco .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Core for Neuroethics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Grace Lee

  2. National Core for Neuroethics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Judy Illes

  3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Frauke Ohl

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Farisco, M., Laureys, S., Evers, K. (2014). Externalization of Consciousness. Scientific Possibilities and Clinical Implications. In: Lee, G., Illes, J., Ohl, F. (eds) Ethical Issues in Behavioral Neuroscience. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 19. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2014_338

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