Neuroethics: Agency in the Age of Brain Science

by Joshua May

Overview

Is free will an illusion? Is addiction a brain disease? Should we enhance our brains beyond normal? Neuroethics blends philosophical analysis with modern brain science to address these and other critical questions through captivating cases. The result is a nuanced view of human agency as surprisingly diverse and flexible. With a lively and accessible writing style, Neuroethics is an indispensable resource for students and scholars in both the sciences and humanities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780197648094
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/09/2023
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	5.56(w) x 8.29(h) x 0.82(d)

About the Author

Joshua May is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is the author of Regard for Reason in the Moral Mind (Oxford University Press, 2018) and co-editor of Agency in Mental Disorder (Oxford University Press, 2022).

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I: Introduction
1: Ethics Meets Neuroscience

Part II: Autonomy
2: Free Will
3: Manipulating Brains

Part III: Care
4: Mental Disorder
5: Addiction

Part IV: Character
6: Moral Judgment
7: Moral Enhancement

Part V: Justice
8: Motivated Reasoning
9: Brain Reading

Part VI: Conclusion
10: Nuanced Neuroethics

References
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Neuroethics is hot but also complicated and controversial. How can inquisitive non-specialists learn enough to understand this growing field? Joshua May has provided a perfect solution. Just read this book. May's overview is balanced and fair, stimulating and careful, profound and practical, concise and convincing." —Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics in the Department of Philosophy, the Kenan Institute for Ethics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Department, and Law School, Duke University

"Joshua May has written the book we need: a comprehensive and persuasive examination of some of the most fascinating and significant issues that confront us today. Accessible without sacrificing careful argument, and filled with gripping case studies, it's an excellent introduction to neuroethics that is also a book that will be valuable to the specialist." —Neil Levy, Professor of Philosophy at Macquarie University and Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics

"This is the book I have been seeking for my neuroethics course! Philosophy, pre-law, and science students alike will delight in May's real-life case studies and discussions of the brain science relevant to pressing philosophical problems. In the end, May encourages us to be suspicious of the idea that there are "neurotypical" versus "atypical" brains. Brains exist on a continuum: we ought to focus on our neurological similarities and not our differences." —Katrina L. Sifferd, Genevieve Staudt Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Elmhurst University and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Neuroethics

"Neuroethics explores complex concepts in a way that is accessible to students and non-experts. It is accompanied by online resources, including materials designed for undergraduate courses." — Dr Rebecca Nesbit, The Biologist

"Neuroethics explores complex concepts in a way that is accessible to students and non-experts. It is accompanied by online resources, including materials designed for undergraduate courses." — Dr Rebecca Nesbit, The Biologist

"This is a crucial volume for those studying the philosophy of mind, ethics, neuroscience, cognitive science, psychiatry, and psychology." — Choice

From the Publisher