Focus on emerging ethical controversies concurrent with advances in neuroscience. Background material covered: concepts and methods in neuroscience; theories of ethics and morality from philosophy, law, and other fields. Ethical topics covered: biological bases of morality; emotions and decision making; neuroeconomics and neuromarketing; pathologies of mind and behavior; volition and legal culpability. Course format: combined lectures, discussion, interactive activities, with case studies and real-world examples (e.g., neuroimaging as legal evidence). Prior coursework in neuroscience and/or ethical inquiry recommended.
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience