The Needfor a Catholic Neuroethics

Neuroethics is a developing clinical and academic field that considers ethical issues in the neurosciences. At this time, it would be premature to argue that there is a well-developed Catholic neuroethics. There is obviously overlap, as Catholic bioethics already addresses issues involving neurological illness. But we do not have a systematic Catholic approach to neuroethics that addresses specific ethical concerns and the underlying theoretical foundations of the field. A fully conceived Catholic neuroethics would be grounded in the nature of the human person created in the image of God. From that center, it would examine the numerous issues that arise in neurology and psychiatry as well as more fundamental philosophical and theological issues concerning the nature of the human person. It would involve sustained ethical reflection on the development and use of new technologies.