Mind Wars

In his new book Mind Wars, Professor Jonathan Moreno investigates the intertwining worlds of science, technology and government and unearths a multitude of innovations in brain science that have caught the attention of national defence agencies. Possibilities that interest national defence planners range from improving soldiers’ endurance and psychological performance, to drugs that influence the brain and ‘brain machine’ information systems to aid cognition. Mind Wars reveals how brain research may change the way future wars are fought and describes the many fascinating ethical and policy issues that are certain to emerge.

Historically, military-funded technologies have brought positive results to society but scientists behind those advances have stayed involved . As new kinds of weapons are added to the arsenal already at the disposal of fallible human leaders, we need to find practical ways to address the problem .

Significant advances in brain research and technology may or may not result in unanticipated consequences. The questions for social ethics and public policy are fascinating, formidable and frightening.

This transatlantic discussion will feature biomedical ethicist Jonathan Moreno speaking from Washington DC and neuroscientist Professor Russell Foster and international security expert Professor Malcolm Dando here in London.

Event organised by:
European Dana Alliance for the Brain and the British Neuroscience Association

Speakers

UK:
Russell Foster, Oxford University
Malcolm Dando, Bradford University

USA:
Jonathan Moreno, University of Pennsylvania

Chairs: Christine McGourty, BBC (UK)
William Safire, Dana Foundation (USA)