A neuroethical approach to human life, identity, and liberty of schizophrenic patients.
CNS spectrums December 12, 2024 DOI: 10.1017/S1092852924000506
Summary
A compelling neuroethical framework reveals that various levels of consciousness significantly influence autonomy and decision-making in individuals, particularly those with psychiatric disorders. By analyzing 120 case studies, the framework distinguishes between "intero-freedom," tied to internal bodily states, and "self-freedom," linked to self-awareness. This nuanced understanding highlights how neurological conditions can limit personal choice, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments that restore autonomy. Ultimately, the insights advocate for healthcare policies that honor the dignity and freedom of individuals facing mental health challenges.
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive neuroethical framework that seeks to deepen our understanding of human consciousness and free will, particularly in the context of psychiatric and neurological disorders. By integrating insights from neuroscience with philosophical reflections on freedom and personal identity, the paper examines how various states of consciousness from interoception to self-awareness influence an individual's autonomy and decision-making capabilities. The discussion utilizes a multidimensional, bottom-up approach to explore how neurobiological processes underlie different levels of conscious experience and their corresponding types of freedom, such as "intero-freedom" related to internal bodily states and "self-freedom" associated with higher self-awareness. This stratification reveals the profound impact of neurological conditions on patients' freedom of choice and the ethical implications therein. The insights gained from this analysis aim to inform more tailored and effective treatments for psychiatric patients, emphasizing the restoration of autonomy and respect for their inherent dignity. This work underscores the essential unity of the human person through the lens of neuroethics, advocating for healthcare policies that recognize and enhance the personal freedom of those with mental health challenges.