Neuroscience, Ethics, and National Security: The State of the Art

• Michael N. Tennison,

  Affiliation: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America

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• Jonathan D. Moreno 

Neuroscience_Ethics_and National Security The State of the art_journal_pbioBiology_essay.pdf

Abstract

National security organizations in the United States, including the armed services and the intelligence community, have developed a close relationship with the scientific establishment. The latest technology often fuels warfighting and counter-intelligence capacities, providing the tactical advantages thought necessary to maintain geopolitical dominance and national security. Neuroscience has emerged as a prominent focus within this milieu, annually receiving hundreds of millions of Department of Defense dollars. Its role in national security operations raises ethical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the pragmatic synthesis of ethical accountability and national security.