Tangles of neurogenetics, neuroethics, and culture.
Neurogenetics promises rich insights into how the mind works. Researchers investigating the range of topics from normal brain functioning to pathological states are increasingly looking to genetics for clues on human variability and disease etiology. Is it fair to assume this interest in neurogenetics is universal? How should researchers and clinicians approach ideas of consent to research or prediction of disease when a subject or patient understands the mind with concepts or language incompatible with neurogenetics? In this paper we consider how non-Western philosophies bring complexity to ideas of individual and community consent and confidentiality in the context of neurogenetics.
National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. elanabrief@gmail.com
Elana
E
Brief
Judy
J
Illes
D026688:Bioethical Issues; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods; D011203:Poverty / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology