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Review
. 2019 Nov 22;15(1):6.
doi: 10.1186/s40504-019-0095-4.

Souled out of rights? - predicaments in protecting the human spirit in the age of neuromarketing

Alexander Sieber  1
Affiliations
Review

Souled out of rights? - predicaments in protecting the human spirit in the age of neuromarketing

Alexander Sieber. Life Sci Soc Policy. .

Abstract

Modern neurotechnologies are rapidly infringing on conventional notions of human dignity and they are challenging what it means to be human. This article is a survey analysis of the future of the digital age, reflecting primarily on the effects of neurotechnology that violate universal human rights to dignity, self-determination, and privacy. In particular, this article focuses on neuromarketing to critically assess potentially negative social ramifications of under-regulated neurotechnological application. Possible solutions are critically evaluated, including the human rights claim to the 'right to mental privacy' and the suggestion of a new human right based on spiritual jurisdiction, where the human psyche is a legal space in a substantive legal setting.

Keywords: Human dignity; Human rights; Human spirit; Legal theory; Mental privacy; Neuromarketing; Surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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