BCI, Personal Identity and Autonomy. Ulysses on the Ship of Theseus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17561/tahrj.v25.9773Keywords:
Brain Computer Interfaces, Freedom of Thought, Mental Privacy, AI Act, NeurorightsAbstract
This article analyzes the ethical and legal challenges of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), focusing on their impact on personal identity and autonomy. It examines the transformative potential of neurotechnology, especially write-in BCIs that intervene directly in brain activity. Drawing from Ortega y Gasset’s zoon technikon and Parfit’s theory of personal identity, it reflects on how these systems may blur agency and self-continuity. The text also addresses the EU regulatory framework and the theory of neurorights. Using Ulysses on the Ship of Theseus as metaphor, it advocates preventive governance based on ethics, human rights, and informed, autonomous consent.
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Legal and Normative References
International Legal Framework
•Nuremberg Code (1947).
•Declaration of Helsinki (1964).
•Belmont Report (1979).
•Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
•Convention on the Rights of People with Disability (2006).
•Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology (2019)
•Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology (2021).
EU Legal Framework
•Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 on medical devices.
•Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
•Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).
•Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 Digital Services Act (DSA).
•European Convention on Human Rights, (Article 9 Freedom of thought).
•Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, (Article 10 Freedom of thought), conscience and religion.
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