Neuroethics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction regarding the ethical questions that attend the development and effects of novel neurotechnologies, as well as other ethical and philosophical issues that arise from our growing understanding of how brains give rise to the people that we are and the social structures that we inhabit and create. In addition to a general introduction to the discipline of neuroethics and its recent historical development, the course will also deal with specific topics of neroethical debate, amongst with enhancement, cognitive liberty, personal responsibility.
Expected learning outcomes
Attending students will be able to acquire both a theoretical knowledge in the field of neuroethics and also some more empirical knowledge in the most important experiments conducted within this field.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
The course aims to cover the main topics of neuroethics, the discipline that studies the philosophical, moral, legal and social implications of neuroscientific knowledge. Therefore, the main topics that will be addressed are: cognitive enhancement; free will; consciousness and its disorders; memory-modulation; brain organoids; neurotechnology and mental integrity; neurolaw; neuromarketing and neuropolitics; gene-editing.
Prerequisites for admission
Minimal knowledge of the physiology of the nervous system and basic notions of moral philosophy are required. In any case, essential tools for understanding and deepening the topics covered will be provided at the beginning of the course and in each individual lecture
Teaching methods
The course, due to the characteristics of the subject matter, is mainly based on face-to-face lectures. Exercises, presentations by students, case analyses and other modalities will be offered during the course
Teaching Resources
Specific materials for the topics covered - mostly, scientific journals papers - will be provided during the course (and made available on the Ariel platform for nonattending students). As reference texts, the following are recommended (depending on lingual skills): N. Levy, "Neuroethics," Cambridge University Press; A. Lavazza, V. A. Sironi (eds), "Neuroetica," Carocci.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of two open questions on the topics covered in the course, one of the student's choices.
Assessment is based on the student's ability to understand the topic and give a personal evaluation of it
Opportunities to make presentations and other personal or group activities will be offered during the course that allow for points to be added to the overall mark on the final exam.
All study and exam materials will be provided during the course and made available on the University's web platform Ariel
Assessment is based on the student's ability to understand the topic and give a personal evaluation of it
Opportunities to make presentations and other personal or group activities will be offered during the course that allow for points to be added to the overall mark on the final exam.
All study and exam materials will be provided during the course and made available on the University's web platform Ariel
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Lavazza Andrea
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Lavazza AndreaEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Before or after the class. Pllease write an email for other dates
Classroom