Conversation Lab: Brain Enhancement

TYPE: Professional Learning
AUDIENCE: Scientists
TOPIC: Science and Society
Small group conversation guide to spark reflections on the future of brain enhancements and their potential impacts on society.
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DESCRIPTION

This discussion-based activity encourages participants to consider the ethics of brain enhancement, for example by using electrical devices to boost our brain function. Participants will learn about current brain enhancement technologies from a local subject matter expert and then work in small groups to reflect on how their values might influence both their individual decisions as well as future implications for our society.

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  • Diagrams created to showcase people values during conversations
  • Diagram showing possible considerations for the possible impacts of cognitive enhancements
  • Diagrams showing different brain stimulation technologies
  • A series of symbols used to communicate feelings and opinions
  • Diagrams created to showcase people values during conversations
  • Diagram showing possible considerations for the possible impacts of cognitive enhancements
  • Diagrams showing different brain stimulation technologies
  • A series of symbols used to communicate feelings and opinions

DESCRIPTION

This discussion-based activity encourages participants to consider the ethics of brain enhancement, for example by using electrical devices to boost our brain function. Participants will learn about current brain enhancement technologies from a local subject matter expert and then work in small groups to reflect on how their values might influence both their individual decisions as well as future implications for our society.

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OBJECTIVES

BIG IDEA

  1. People’s values determine which technologies are developed and used.
  2. New technologies change society, sometimes in unexpected ways.
  3. Scientists, engineers, and designers use their creativity to invent things and imagine the future—just like you do.
  4. Brain research benefits from many perspectives—including yours.

LEARNING GOALS

  • 1. Increase their awareness about ethical issues or research related to brain enhancement.

    2. Practice skills in collaboration and communication through working with others and sharing their perspectives.

    3. Practice creativity through imagining possible futures of brain enhancement technologies.

    4. Practice reflexivity and strengthen their self-efficacy in discussing topics and values related to the ethics of brain enhancement.

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TYPE:
Professional Learning
AUDIENCE:
Scientists
LANGUAGES:
English
ADDITIONAL TOPICS: Life Sciences Human Body Societal Topics Science and Society
KIT: Changing Brains logo square Browse kit
KEYWORDS:

Credits

YEAR CREATED
2023
PROJECT
OWNING INSTITUTION

The Franklin Institute 

FUNDING

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the Dana Foundation.

PERMISSIONS

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US).
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DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

NISE Network products are developed through an iterative collaborative process that includes scientific review, peer review, and visitor evaluation in accordance with an inclusive audiences approach. Products are designed to be easily edited and adapted for different audiences under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike license. To learn more, visit our Development Process page.