Neuroethics: Agency in the Age of Brain Science

by Joshua May

Overview

What ethical questions does neuroscience raise and help to answer? Neuroethics blends philosophical analysis with modern brain science to address central questions within this growing field: · Is free will an illusion? · Does brain stimulation impair a patient's autonomy? · Does having a mental disorder excuse bad behavior? · Is addiction a brain disease? · Should we trust our gut feelings in ethics and politics? · Should we alter our brains to become better people? · Is human reasoning bound to be biased by our values? · Can brain science be trusted to read the minds of criminals and consumers? This book provides an opinionated tour through captivating cases and a close examination of the philosophical issues and scientific evidence. Joshua May's lively and accessible writing style makes it an indispensable resource for students and scholars in both the sciences and humanities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780197648117
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/26/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Joshua May is Associate Professor of Philosophy 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