About this Research Topic
Advancements in neurotechnology are heralding new possibilities for enhancing human health and cognitive abilities. However, these innovations also bring to the fore significant ethical, legal, and social challenges, particularly in the spheres of mental privacy and autonomy. Traditionally, the discourse on neuroethics has been shaped by perspectives from the global North, often overlooking the distinct socio-economic and cultural contexts of countries in the global South. These white spots in neuroethical deliberations are critical, seeing as these regions grapple with unique challenges such as high income inequality, limited healthcare infrastructure, and significant linguistic and cultural diversity.
This article collection seeks to illuminate and amplify perspectives from the global South on neurotechnology. The objective is to foster a more inclusive discussion on how neurotechnological advances are governed and to tailor neuroethical standards and legal frameworks that respect the distinct socio-cultural milieus of these areas. Reflection on these aspects is not merely an academic exercise but a crucial endeavour to ensure that technological advancements benefit humanity broadly and equitably without breaching individual rights or autonomy.
Moreover, an inclusive approach to neuroethics promises not only to enrich global discussions with fresh, diverse viewpoints but also to challenge and potentially refine universal standards and practices. For instance, assessing how international funding influences local neuroethical practices and regulations can reveal power dynamics and dependencies that may skew technology governance. Engaging with scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the global South will help highlight these systemic inequities and pave the way for more grassroots-driven guidelines and reforms.
We welcome original research, case studies, and opinion pieces that delve into the following (but not limited to):
• Socio-Economic Impacts
• Healthcare Infrastructure challenges
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Ethical Standards and Funding
• Regulatory Frameworks
Discussions can range from critical evaluations of the imposition of international standards to the design of legal reforms that protect mental privacy and enhance autonomy within these varied contexts.
Submissions should seek to offer new insights, evidence-based analyses, or practical recommendations that can aid in shaping equitable, effective neuroethical frameworks tailored to the needs and conditions of the global South. By focusing on these regions, our aim is to contribute robust, culturally sensitive proposals that facilitate safer, more respectful neurotechnological integration, ultimately influencing global standards in a way that acknowledges and respects cultural plurality and the diversity of human experience. Contributions to this discussion are profoundly necessary, promising to advance not only neuroethical discourse but also the very conception of equitable and just use of technology in society.
Researchers and practitioners engaged in the complexities of neurotechnology in the global South are particularly encouraged to contribute, helping to ensure that the evolution of neuroethics is as diverse as the populations it seeks to protect. Through such collaborative and inclusive scholarship, the hope is to develop frameworks that are not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant, ensuring that neurotechnology advances do not outpace our capacity to manage them ethically.
This article collection seeks to illuminate and amplify perspectives from the global South on neurotechnology. The objective is to foster a more inclusive discussion on how neurotechnological advances are governed and to tailor neuroethical standards and legal frameworks that respect the distinct socio-cultural milieus of these areas. Reflection on these aspects is not merely an academic exercise but a crucial endeavour to ensure that technological advancements benefit humanity broadly and equitably without breaching individual rights or autonomy.
Moreover, an inclusive approach to neuroethics promises not only to enrich global discussions with fresh, diverse viewpoints but also to challenge and potentially refine universal standards and practices. For instance, assessing how international funding influences local neuroethical practices and regulations can reveal power dynamics and dependencies that may skew technology governance. Engaging with scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the global South will help highlight these systemic inequities and pave the way for more grassroots-driven guidelines and reforms.
We welcome original research, case studies, and opinion pieces that delve into the following (but not limited to):
• Socio-Economic Impacts
• Healthcare Infrastructure challenges
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Ethical Standards and Funding
• Regulatory Frameworks
Discussions can range from critical evaluations of the imposition of international standards to the design of legal reforms that protect mental privacy and enhance autonomy within these varied contexts.
Submissions should seek to offer new insights, evidence-based analyses, or practical recommendations that can aid in shaping equitable, effective neuroethical frameworks tailored to the needs and conditions of the global South. By focusing on these regions, our aim is to contribute robust, culturally sensitive proposals that facilitate safer, more respectful neurotechnological integration, ultimately influencing global standards in a way that acknowledges and respects cultural plurality and the diversity of human experience. Contributions to this discussion are profoundly necessary, promising to advance not only neuroethical discourse but also the very conception of equitable and just use of technology in society.
Researchers and practitioners engaged in the complexities of neurotechnology in the global South are particularly encouraged to contribute, helping to ensure that the evolution of neuroethics is as diverse as the populations it seeks to protect. Through such collaborative and inclusive scholarship, the hope is to develop frameworks that are not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant, ensuring that neurotechnology advances do not outpace our capacity to manage them ethically.
Keywords: Neuroethics, Global South, Mental Privacy, Ethical Standards, Cultural Diversity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
