The Ethics of Consciousness

Description

This Element examines the main ethical aspects of consciousness It argues that consciousness is not intrinsically valuable but has value or disvalue for individuals depending on its phenomenology (what it is like to be aware) and content (what one is aware of). These two components of awareness shape normative judgments about how ordered, disordered, altered, restored, diminished and suppressed conscious states can benefit or harm individuals. They also influence moral judgments about whether intentionally causing these states is permissible or impermissible and how these states can affect behavior. After describing its neurobiological basis, this Element discusses ethical and legal issues in six categories of consciousness: phenomenal and access consciousness; intraoperative awareness; prolonged disorders of consciousness, dissociative disorders, the role of consciousness in determining death; and altering and suppressing awareness near the end of life.

'This is an outstanding work. Glannon has provided a rigorous and thoughtful ethical analysis, has carefully reviewed and discussed the relevant literature, and has drawn reasonable conclusions. His prose is clear and a joy to read.' James L. Bernat, Louis and Ruth Frank Professor of Neuroscience, Dartmouth Medical School 'An excellent overview of empirical findings on the neuroscience of consciousness and a careful consideration of the differences between empirical-descriptive and ethical-normative realms. Excellent book. Highly recommended.' Georg Northoff, Canada Research Chair for Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research