An XYZ-axis Matrix Approach for the Integration of Neuroscience and Neuroethics

Abstract

The recent, unprecedented advancement in neuroscience has led to new discoveries about the human brain and its function. Yet at the same time, it has spurred novel ethical and regulatory issues, and the field of neuroethics has emerged as an interdisciplinary endeavor to address these issues. Across the globe, extensive efforts have been underway to achieve the integration of neuroscience and Neuroethics, with active engagement not only from academia but also from the government, the public, and industry. However, in some countries, integrating neuroscience and neuroethics has proved to be a particularly challenging task. For example, in South Korea, the government has primarily driven the integration effort, and only a small group of researchers is properly trained for conducting an interdisciplinary evaluation of ethical, legal, social, and cultural implications (ELSCI) of neurotechnology. On the basis of the last few years of experience pursuing a government-funded neuroethics project in South Korea, we developed a new operational framework to provide practical guidance on ELSCI research. This framework consists of the X, Y, and Z axes; the X-axis represents a target neurotechnology, the Y-axis represents different developmental stages of the technology, and the Z-axis represents ELSCI issues that may arise from the development and use of the neurotechnology. Here we also present a step-by-step workflow to apply this matrix framework, from organizing a panel for a target neurotechnology to facilitating stakeholder discussion through public hearings. This framework will enable meaningful integration of neuroscience and neuroethics to promote responsible innovation in neuroscience and neurotechnology.

Keywords: Ethics; Neuroscience; Social integration; Three-dimensional.

Fig. 1

Different forms of relationship between neuroscience and neuroethics. (A) The state of no meaningful interaction between neuroscience and neuroethics, (B) Neuroethics failed to incorporate technical advancements in neuroscience, (C) Neuroscience failed to incorporate ethical considerations, (D) Meaningful integration achieved between the two fields.

Fig. 2

An Illustration of the New XYZ Matrix Approach. The X axis represents a specific target neurotechnology. The list of technologies shown in the X-axis is provided solely for the purpose of illustration. The Y axis indicates the maturity of a target technology that is classified under nine developmental stages. The Z axis represents the four major areas of investigation, including ethical, legal, social, and cultural implications of a target technology. The yellow line shows neuroethics research on legal issues regarding the use of tDCS. The red line shows neuroethics research on ethical issues regarding the use of DBS.

Fig. 3

The New XYZ Matrix Approach shown in a Table Format. The left column represents the X axis (a specific target neurotechnology), the middle column indicates the Y axis (the nine developmental stages of a target technology), and the right column represents the Z axis (the four major areas of neuroethics investigation). As in Fig 2-1, the yellow line shows neuroethics research on legal issues regarding the use of tDCS and the red line shows neuroethics research on ethical issues regarding the use of DBS.

Fig. 4

A Step-by-Step Workflow for the Implementation of the New XYZ Matrix Approach.