Redefining Humanity: The Ethical Imperative of Brain-Computer Interface Technology

Abstract: The rapid advancement of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, particularly highlighted by the press speculation about Neuralink’s recent breakthroughs, heralds a transformative era for human interaction with machines, computers, and artificial intelligence. BCI's capacity to directly connect the human mind to digital realms not only revolutionizes our traditional understanding of the human mind and body but also necessitates a reevaluation of foundational concepts of human identity. Drawing upon Goldenring's 1985 proposition that the essence of a 'human being' is defined by the presence of an active human brain, this presentation contends that the advent of BCI compels us to reconsider the very definition of the 'human brain.' While discussions surrounding BCI have predominantly centered on issues of equity, privacy, and accountability, it is imperative to delve deeper into how such technologies might fundamentally alter the definition of what it means to be human at the individual level. This exploration forms the bedrock for subsequent debates on broader ethical considerations. In addressing this critical issue, the presentation aims to underscore the urgency of redefining human identity in the age of BCI, advocating for a forward-thinking approach in bioethics that anticipates the complex interplay between technology and the essence of humanity.